NYC: Taxi meter scam overcharged riders $8.3M
A taxi moves on a slushy Sixth Avenue during a snowstorm in midtown Manhattan. (February 26, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
New York City officials have discovered a widespread scam in which thousands of taxi drivers overcharged passengers more than $8.3 million.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission said Friday that it had found at least 1.8 million trips over the past two years where passengers were ripped off.
Officials said drivers overcharged by illegally setting their meters at a rate they are supposed to use for trips to the suburbs. That rate is double the rate within city limits.
In a few weeks, taxi riders will see an alert when the extra rate code has been activated.
The TLC has referred its findings to the Department of Investigation.
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