Have you ever taken a Rapido ride and felt overcharged, misled by offers, or frustrated with unresponsive customer care?
You’re not alone. Across India, thousands of users are falling victim to new kinds of Rapido scams, from fake helpline numbers to hidden charges, often realizing it only when it’s too late.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening behind India’s most popular bike taxi app, and why so many riders are beginning to lose trust.
Rapido Scams In India
Rapido’s rise came with the promise of affordability and quick rides.
But several riders complain that the platform’s transparency is weakening, with hidden charges, misleading fare displays, and confusing tipping options.
In 2024, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) fined Rapido for a misleading advertisement that promised “Auto in 5 minutes or ₹50 off.”
The claim didn’t hold up, leading to penalties for false promotion. The incident exposed how marketing shortcuts and unclear communication can quickly damage user trust.
Common Rapido Scams in India
These are some common types of Rapido scams that we see in India:
1. Rapido Overcharging Scam
Several users have reported being charged extra, despite the fare being locked in the app.
After the ride, some captains demand additional payment for “traffic” or “waiting time,” insisting that it’s not reflected in the app.
2. Rapido Advance Tipping Issue
Rapido’s “advance tip” feature, meant to encourage drivers, is being called out as a dark pattern.
The app often compels users to add a tip before confirming the ride, implying that rides will get accepted faster if you do.
But once users pay the tip, there’s no guarantee the ride won’t be canceled.
3. Rapido Fake Customer Care Scam
These scams don’t come from Rapido itself; they target users pretending to be official support.. Fake customer care numbers appear on Google or social media.
When users call to complain about refunds or cancellations, scammers posing as “Rapido support” ask for OTPs or payment link confirmations.
Many victims have lost money after unknowingly transferring funds or sharing card details.
4. Rapido Data Leak Complaint
In mid-2024, cybersecurity forums began discussing a potential Rapido data breach involving both riders and captains.
Personal details such as names, phone numbers, and trip histories were reportedly circulating online.
Though the company denied any large-scale leak, users who faced fake calls right after cancellations believe their data was compromised.
Rapido Scams in India: Real Cases
Rapido has faced growing public criticism in 2024–2025 for misleading ads, overcharging, and fake customer service scams.
Below are some of the most talked-about real cases that show how serious the issue has become.
1. Rapido Misleading Advertisement Fine (2025)
In August 2025, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) fined Rapido ₹10 lakh for false advertising.
The company’s “Auto in 5 minutes or ₹50 off” campaign turned out to be misleading; instead of real cashback, users received “Rapido coins” that expired in a week and could be used only for bike rides.
2. Rapido Overcharging Complaints
Several riders have shared their stories online:
“The app showed ₹676, but the driver insisted I pay ₹900. I argued, but he canceled the trip from his side, and I lost the refund.”, User from Delhi
“I was charged ₹1,800 extra; no response from support for days.”, User from Hyderabad
Overcharging has now become one of the most common Rapido complaints. Users say fares often change mid-ride, or extra cash is demanded for ‘waiting time’ and ‘traffic’.
3. Fake Rapido Customer Care Scam
Scammers are creating fake “Rapido helpline” numbers on Google and social media. Victims call these numbers after refund issues, only to be tricked into sharing OTPs or UPI payment links.
“I searched ‘Rapido helpline’ on Google, called the first number, and within minutes, ₹9,000 was debited from my account,” wrote one Reddit user.
These scams have nothing to do with Rapido officially, but they highlight the platform’s weak verification ecosystem that allows such fake listings to thrive.
What to do if Online Fraud Happens?
Here’s what you can do if you’ve been a victim of a Rapido scam:
1. Keep Your Evidence Organized
Proper documentation is key to resolving your case quickly.
Always save:
- Ride ID and driver details
- Screenshots of your chats and receipts
- Payment confirmation or refund screenshots
- Any calls or messages related to the issue
2. Start with Rapido Support
Before escalating the issue, always raise a formal complaint within the app.
Steps to follow:
- Open the Help & Support section in your Rapido app.
- Select the specific ride and describe the problem clearly.
- Attach screenshots of payment, driver chat, or fare mismatch.
- Save the complaint ID, you’ll need it later for follow-up or escalation.
3. File a Cyber Crime Complaint
Fake customer care scams are on the rise, where fraudsters pretend to be Rapido representatives and trick users into sharing OTPs or UPI links.
If you’ve faced this:
- File a complaint in the official portal of Cybercrime.
- Report it under the “cyber or financial fraud” category.
Need Help?
If you’ve faced any Rapido scam, overcharging, refund delay, or fake customer support calls, don’t handle it alone.
Register with us, and our team will guide you step-by-step in filing your complaint and getting it resolved through the proper legal channels.
Conclusion
Rapido may have simplified daily travel for millions, but growing reports of overcharging, fake helplines, and misleading ads show that users need to stay alert. Every small scam, if ignored, adds to a bigger pattern of consumer exploitation.
The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed and report every incident, no matter how minor it seems. And if you ever feel stuck or unsure about the process, register with us. We’ll help you take the right action and make sure your complaint truly counts.
