A UK holidaymaker has issued an urgent warning to fellow travellers visiting European cities after falling victim to what appears to be a coordinated Uber cancellation scam. Stacey Nuttall shared her alarming experience in the Facebook group Extreme Day Trips, detailing an incident during a recent visit to the Therme Spa in Bucharest, Romania.
Shocking Experience in Bucharest
According to Stacey, she and a travel companion ordered an Uber through the app, which arrived promptly within about a minute. However, shortly after beginning their journey, the driver pulled over and claimed there was a problem with the price displayed on the Uber app. He then demanded additional payment in cash, and when the pair refused, he cancelled the trip and asked them to exit the vehicle.
Stacey reports being charged a cancellation fee for this ride. To make matters worse, when she attempted to book another Uber, several drivers cancelled her bookings, resulting in additional penalty charges. This all felt very set up, she remarked in her post.
Stranded Without Options
Left stranded at 10pm with no cash available, Stacey and her friend were approached by four different taxi drivers who all demanded upfront payment via cash, Revolut, or Apple Pay. With no other alternatives, they eventually found an independent cab driver who allowed them to pay upon arrival at their hotel.
Having visited Bucharest three times in the past six months without previous issues, Stacey speculated whether the late hour and poor weather conditions might have contributed to the situation. The driver who eventually took them home suggested that new taxation rules are causing some drivers to lose money, potentially leading to unscrupulous behaviour.
Wider Pattern of Similar Incidents
Stacey's experience appears to be part of a broader pattern, with other travellers reporting similar issues with ride-hailing services while abroad. One commenter described an identical situation as infuriating and so rude, while another recounted being stranded at Faro Airport in Portugal after multiple Uber drivers accepted and then cancelled their bookings.
A third traveller highlighted another common tactic: Another scam is them not coming to the pick-up point and asking you to walk 8 to 10 minutes to meet them... and then they are not there – you see them driving away on the app. Several commenters advised disputing cancellation charges directly with Uber, noting that the company should reimburse customers in such circumstances.
Uber's Response and Safety Recommendations
While it's unclear whether Stacey has contacted Uber about her specific incident, a company spokesperson stated: The behaviour that has been described is completely unacceptable. Uber has clear rules regarding payments and cancellations, and we will investigate and take appropriate action on any reports of this nature. The spokesperson emphasised Uber's commitment to safety and service standards for all riders.
Stacey offered several practical recommendations for fellow travellers:
- Consider alternative transport methods when possible
- Plan transportation arrangements in advance
- Leave tips when booking through taxi apps as it can make a difference
- Remain vigilant and aware of potential scams
- Always prioritise personal safety
Her warning serves as a timely reminder for UK tourists to exercise caution when using ride-hailing services during European city breaks, particularly in unfamiliar locations or during late-night hours.
