A taxi driver has been left almost £4,500 out of pocket after being tricked into a near 800-mile international journey.
As reported by PHTM, the incident began in Lisbon, Portugal, where two men — aged 50 and 23 — persuaded the driver to take them on an exceptionally long trip to Barcelona, Spain, a journey that took around 15 hours and covered approximately 780 miles.
The passengers claimed they had lost their wallets and assured the driver that the fare had already been paid via bank transfer. Trusting their explanation, the driver continued the journey.
However, upon arrival, it became clear that no payment had been received. The losses reportedly totalled around £4,500, factoring in the fare itself, road tolls, fuel, and even meals that the driver had paid for during the trip.
Police later arrested both men. Officers confirmed that one of the suspects was already known to police for similar incidents in other Spanish cities. A police spokesperson said the two men had been handed over to the courts, who will now take over the investigation.
DM News Commentary
This is an extreme case, but the underlying issue will feel very familiar to taxi and private hire drivers.
Whether it’s a long-distance airport run, an intercity job, or — as in this case — an international journey, verbal promises and “bank transfer pending” stories offer no protection once the wheels are turning.
For drivers, especially those operating independently, this highlights the importance of confirmed payment upfront for high-value or long-distance work. Once borders are crossed, recovering losses becomes legally complex and, in many cases, unrealistic.
Sadly, scams like this don’t just cost drivers money — they make the job more defensive for everyone, including genuine passengers who may one day need real help.
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