Travelers Beware: The Illegal Taxi Scam at JFK Airport
After a long flight from Kenya, Tabitha Abed and her husband arrived at JFK Airport with excitement to visit New York City for the first time. However, their arrival was quickly met with a common scam that has plagued the airport for decades. As they left baggage claim, a man approached them in the international arrivals area and offered to give them a ride to their hotel in Times Square. What should have been a $70 trip turned into an $800 nightmare, leaving the couple frustrated and out of pocket.
The man who scammed Abed and her husband is known as a “hustler,” a part of a group of unlicensed drivers who illegally offer rides to unsuspecting travelers at major transportation hubs. This illegal practice not only puts tourists at risk, but also affects the livelihood of licensed yellow taxi drivers who are already struggling in an industry dominated by ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
Despite the efforts of the Port Authority Police Department to crack down on these illegal drivers, Gothamist observed numerous hustlers operating openly in plain view at all of JFK’s terminals. It is estimated that there are hundreds of these hustlers preying on confused and weary travelers in the airport’s arrival areas, with the number increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the main issues is the lack of clear signage directing travelers to legitimate transportation options. This confusion makes it easy for hustlers to approach tourists and scam them out of hundreds of dollars. According to the Taxi and Limousine Commission, the most important tip to avoid these scams is to remember that no one should be asking you if you need a ride. This is illegal and should be avoided at all costs.
Michael Carey, a Port Authority customer service specialist, has worked at JFK Airport for 19 years and has seen the increase in hustler activity. He serves as an informal sheriff at Terminal 1, where he tries to keep tourists away from the hustlers and their scams. One day, after the Kenyan couple fell victim to the scam, they returned to JFK and found Carey, who was able to get their money back from the hustler. This highlights the importance of being vigilant and seeking help from airport workers like Carey.
However, not all travelers are fortunate enough to encounter someone like Carey. Many end up paying exorbitant prices for their rides, with some even being charged $1,400 for a trip from the airport to New Jersey. These hustlers defend their actions by stating that it is their only way to make a living in New York City. However, their illegal activities not only harm tourists, but also contribute to the struggles of licensed yellow taxi drivers.
Despite the efforts of the Port Authority, the issue persists at JFK Airport. The recent approval of $100 million in funding for “Operation Legal Ride” aims to intensify enforcement efforts, but the problem remains as the agency awaits new leadership.