SINGAPORE:

A shocking incident involving a driver and a passenger has surfaced on Reddit, raising alarms over the integrity of ride-sharing services in Singapore. A first-time visitor recounted their harrowing experience after booking a GrabCar from the airport to their hotel, questioning whether they had been scammed.

In the post shared on r/AskSingapore, the user, known as u/rrrreddithasridges, revealed that their troubles began even before the driver arrived. They were unexpectedly charged a $3 fee—an apparent tactic employed by the driver to confuse passengers about their arrival time. Upon arrival, the driver expressed disbelief at the number of their luggage items, suggesting they should have booked a larger GrabCar Premium vehicle, yet still offered to assist them for a hefty $20 tip.

What unfolded next was not just unsettling but outright outrageous. Once the passengers entered the vehicle, the driver allegedly confiscated their phone and logged in to give himself a five-star rating, in addition to pocketing the $20 tip. The post author felt cornered, as their luggage was already in the car, leaving them with no choice but to comply.

The incident elicited a flurry of responses from the Reddit community, with many users vehemently encouraging the victim to report the driver to Grab. They emphasized that such unethical behavior should not be tolerated, with one user pointing out bluntly, "This is not a scam, it’s basically a crime. He took your phone and paid himself."

After filing a complaint with Grab, the passenger reported receiving a $20 refund and went the extra mile by notifying Singapore’s tourism board about the driver's misconduct. In an encouraging update, they stated, “I appreciate all of your feedback and am not letting this ruin our trip – Singapore is beautiful so far," while advising other travelers to remain vigilant.

This incident sheds light on the potential risks passengers may face when using ride-sharing apps in unfamiliar areas. Grab, a popular service in Southeast Asia, has yet to comment on this incident, but they are known for taking passenger complaints seriously.

As tourists flock to Singapore's renowned attractions, such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, it is crucial for both visitors and residents alike to remain aware and report any suspicious behavior encountered during their travels to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.