SINGAPORE: A Shocking Incident

In a jaw-dropping incident that has left many in disbelief, a first-time visitor to Singapore took to Reddit to share how they were allegedly scammed by their GrabCar driver after a ride from the airport to their hotel turned into a nightmarish experience.

The visitor, posting under the handle u/rrrreddithasridges, described how the trouble began even before their driver arrived. After booking a six-seater GrabCar due to their six pieces of luggage, they were hit with an unexpected $3 charge while the driver was still nowhere to be seen. This fee raised eyebrows and was merely a precursor to the unethical behavior that was about to unfold.

Initial Encounter with the Driver

When the driver finally showed up, he seemed taken aback by the number of bags and suggested that the passenger should have opted for a larger vehicle, the GrabCar Premium. Despite the driver's claims, he then insisted that he would assist the visitors if they gave him a $20 tip—an amount that felt exorbitant considering the ride was only supposed to cost $35.

The Shocking Turn of Events

Things escalated when the visitor got into the car. In a shocking turn of events, the driver took possession of their phone under the pretense of needing to help them. Instead, he bizarrely rated himself with a five-star review and pocketed the $20 tip, all while the unsuspecting passenger remained oblivious to this unethical act.

Passenger's Reaction and Response

Feeling wronged, the passenger questioned whether they should report the incident to Grab and pondered if they were at fault for bringing too much luggage. However, a plethora of supportive commenters urged them to take action, with many advising that such a gross violation is not only a scam but potentially criminal behavior.

“This is not a scam; it’s basically a crime. He took your phone and paid himself,” one Reddit user pointed out bluntly, resonating the sentiments of many who believed justice needed to be served.

Response from Grab and Final Thoughts

Following the incident, the passenger wisely reported the driver to Grab and was granted a $20 refund. They also took the extra step of informing Singapore's tourism board about the driver’s misconduct. In an update to their post, they expressed gratitude for the supportive feedback received and reassured others that the incident would not overshadow their enjoyment of Singapore’s beauty.

Travelers have been reminded to remain vigilant and cautious during rideshare experiences, especially in unfamiliar territories. Grab has yet to respond to inquiries for further comments, but this alarming incident has sparked discussions about the need for user security in the ride-hailing sector.

Conclusion and Cautionary Reminder

Stay tuned for more updates as grave concerns over passenger safety continue to rise.