Police officers probe online taxi firm after complaints over £5 booking charge
POLICE have launched an investigation into an online taxi firm following complaints from dissatisfied punters. Lincolnshire Police said it was investigating the firm, which cannot be named for legal reasons, after the Echo received a complaint from a local resident.
Force spokesman James Newall said: "We are investigating an online taxi broker in relation to fraud offences."
Liz Barnes, 63, of North Scarle, contacted the firm to book a taxi for herself and her elderly father to Lincoln County Hospital. Mrs Barnes was required to pay a £5 deposit for a taxi, which she paid in full by giving her card details over the phone.
The online firm allegedly offers a taxi booking service, but Mrs Barnes says she was misled into thinking she was dealing directly with a taxi rank. She said: "I needed to book a taxi. I was online and searched for taxis.
"It came up with a site, which specifically stated it offered Lincoln black cabs. I phoned up and booked a taxi with them and was asked to pay a £5 deposit. "When the taxi came to pick us up, I was a bit surprised it wasn't a black cab.
"When the driver asked me for a payment, I asked him about the £5 deposit I paid. "He was a bit surprised, and said that he'd never taken any kind of payment over the phone. It was then we realised that someone must have intercepted us as an agent.
"The driver phoned the number I'd originally called, but they hung up on him. "He said he'd never given anyone permission to act as a booking agent. "The site had links to similar firms in different cities as well – so it could be something on a national level.
"I just don't want anyone else to get caught out by this website. "I gave them my card details and I'm lucky they didn't take more from me. It could have been a lot worse."
Trading Standards are reminding Lincolnshire residents to stay vigilant when it comes to buying or booking services online. Divisional manager for Lincolnshire Trading Standards, Mark Keal, said: "Buying online can be quick and convenient, but it's important to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
"For more information about staying safe online, sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter. Just send an e-mail with you name and e-mail addresses to
safe&smart@lincolnshire.gov.uk"
Becky Guy, legal and democratic services manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: "We believe the website is not officially a taxi operator in the city, which means the city council has no direct enforcement role. We are working with the police and trading standards to help with their investigations."
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