Taxi & Transport Scams in Melbourne

Unlicensed Rideshare and Taxi Touting at Southern Cross Station

At Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street, unofficial drivers approach arriving travellers — particularly those with luggage — and offer rides into the CBD or to Melbourne Airport at seemingly fixed prices. These are not licensed taxis or registered rideshare vehicles; the driver may demand cash only, inflate the fare mid-journey, or refuse to complete the trip until additional payment is made. Legitimate taxis queue at the designated rank on Spencer Street, and Uber/DiDi pickups require a confirmed app booking.