Illegal taxi hustlers at JFK Airport are charging unsuspecting tourists astronomical fares – with some travelers paying as much as $800 for rides that should cost around $70 in a licensed yellow cab.
According to a recent investigation by Gothamist, the problem has gotten worse since the COVID-19 pandemic, with hundreds of unlicensed drivers now prowling the terminals’ arrival areas, targeting confused tourists fresh off international flights.
$800 for a Ride to Times Square
A Kenyan couple visiting New York City for the first time fell victim to one of these hustlers after clearing customs at JFK. A man posing as a cabbie approached them in the international arrivals area and offered a ride to their hotel in Times Square.
The nightmare began when the driver stopped a block away from their hotel, locked the car doors, and became aggressive while demanding payment. The couple ended up paying $800 – including a bogus $180 “fee” to cross the Queensboro Bridge.
How the Scam Works
These “hustlers” aren’t licensed by the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission but actively solicit rides at major transportation hubs. Here’s what you need to know:
• If someone approaches you and asks if you need a ride, it’s illegal – licensed drivers cannot directly solicit fares
• Some hustlers charge Uber-like rates and pocket the cash
• Others grossly overcharge, sometimes up to $1,400 for a single trip
• They target tourists who look lost or unfamiliar with the city’s transportation system
The Impact on Legal Taxi Drivers
The scheme hurts legitimate yellow cab drivers who are already struggling. With Uber and Lyft dominating the market, JFK Airport has become a crucial lifeline for medallion owners.
“It has become more damaging for drivers as they have lost higher-paying trips in the rest of the city,” said Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai. “So every fare from the airport feels more essential for them.”
How to Protect Yourself
1. Only use official taxi stands – Follow signs to the yellow taxi dispatch line
2. Never accept solicited rides – If someone approaches you offering a ride, decline
3. Know the approximate fare – A yellow cab from JFK to Manhattan costs a flat $70 plus tolls and tip
4. Use the JFK AirTrain – Connect to the subway for an affordable alternative
5. Book through official apps – Use Uber, Lyft, or the Curb app for licensed vehicles
Port Authority Taking Action
The Port Authority has approved $100 million in new funding for “Operation Legal Ride,” which will expand the use of license plate readers and AI-aided surveillance to crack down on hustlers. However, enforcement remains spotty, and many illegal drivers simply don’t pay their fines and return to work.
If you’ve been scammed, report it to the Port Authority Police immediately – some victims have successfully recovered their money by confronting the situation at the airport.
Stay safe and always take a licensed NYC yellow taxi from the official dispatch stands at JFK Airport.
