Be Aware of Touters at Melbourne Airport

jm7 on 19/11/2023 - 21:10
Last edited 19/11/2023 - 21:11

Hi all,

Just wanted to give everyone the heads up regarding the touters at Melbourne Airport.

A few months ago my inlaws (born overseas and came here as adults, very trusting and naive) were approached by a touter at Melbourne Airport asking if they wanted a taxi. The man was well dressed and appeared legitimate. They were charged $120 for a trip that would have been $60 normally because it was a limo service (no meter).

Tonight I saw a man and his mate loitering around the airport exit. They asked a young lady here on holiday if she needed a taxi. I ran and told her that it wasn't legit and she was being ripped off. Anyway, to cut a long story short, things escalated and he came up to me at the baggage carousel and started name calling, swearing and intimidating me. I then left and he followed me to pick up zone outside the Park Royal Hotel to "talk". It was a really scary situation.

I just want to make everyone aware that a legit taxi driver will not approach you at the airport asking if you want a taxi as it is illegal. Please tell your friends and family to only use rideshares or the legit taxi rank at the end of terminal 3. Unfortunately the taxi rank is tiny and signage is poor.

Travel Airport Melbourne Melbourne Airport Victoria

Comments

    • Gervais fanboy on 19/11/2023 - 22:42
      +39

      Nevermind my comment above, you have actually somehow found a way to make this about race lol.
      You donut 🤦🏻‍♂️

      • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 13:35
        -5

        No, I didn't> (it already is/was)

        Nice try>

        https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-23/melbourne-airport-tra…

        • Gervais fanboy on 20/11/2023 - 13:49
          +1

          And how’s that at all related to the op’s post over here..

          Also, to address your mindless drivel - most touters happen to be ethnics but libs like you interpret a criticism of touters for their illegal practices as them being targeted for their race or their ethnicities when that’s just not the case.

          • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 16:24
            -2

            @Gervais fanboy: OP has already claimed signage is poor, yet another member says signage is literally just outside the airport doors.door.

            When it walks like,looks like,smells like and is singled out because it is a duck.It's a duck.

            I see you always stoop to personal attacks. You also think that anyone who doesn't think like you is a 'lib' So your language gives you away.As does you taking personal offence when somebody makes an observation that there's an ulterior motive in a thread topic.

            • Gervais fanboy on 20/11/2023 - 18:31
              +1

              @Protractor:

              I see you always stoop to personal attacks

              This guy 🤦🏻‍♂️

              You have come at me a number of times now alleging racism etc. Don’t you dare talk to me about personal attacks.

              think that anyone who doesn't think like you is a 'lib'

              On the contrary, everyone(not many people tbh) that thinks like you is a lib.
              Everyone like you that makes everything about race and racism, you are the real racist with your very spiteful/anti-white narratives of the world.

              Also, despite all your continuous drivel you still haven’t backed up any of your assertions on how did op make any racial connotations with their post.
              You already got your Reddit conspiracy theory wrong btw.

            • smartazz104 on 20/11/2023 - 19:08
              +1

              @Protractor: Let’s claim that you are a touter, since anyone can say anything.

            • SpainKing on 21/11/2023 - 16:51
              +2

              @Protractor: You seem to think there's an ulterior motive in every thread topic. No-one ever seems to be able to pose an issue without you being overly negative or accusing them of being a troll/racist

              One commenter says there's great signage; OP claims it was poor and the woman would likely agree (given her difficulty finding it). Different people may have different ideas of what constitutes good/poor signage. It's silly to jump to the assumption that OP's a lying racist just because you're presented with one piece of information that conflicts with their story

              Please leave the ducks out of this, it's trauma season so they're having a rough enough time as it is without being dragged in to your baseless, irrelevant metaphors

  • thatonethere on 19/11/2023 - 22:23
    +6

    Melbourne is bad for the touts (so is Sydney). Sadly the airport ground staff may likely be involved with them as they are never moved on.

    • plmko on 19/11/2023 - 23:48
      +8

      And what you're seeing is the erosion of Australian workplaces through the continual replacement of full time positions with sham contracting.

  • Gervais fanboy on 19/11/2023 - 22:43
    +16

    And God forbid someone parks for a minute too long at the drop off bay, you’d have a dozen people on you asking you to move on..

    • Ade99 on 20/11/2023 - 08:20
      +3

      $ in it for them….

  • Kongzi on 19/11/2023 - 23:21
    +2

    Router?

  • holdenmg on 20/11/2023 - 05:23
    +10

    How do I provide feedback or raise issues with Melbourne Airport?
    https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/taxi-access

    Melbourne Airport meets with the taxi and hire care industry regularly to discuss developments at the airport and address any concerns industry may raise. Should you wish to raise any issues you can email [email protected]

    • Ziggy28 on 20/11/2023 - 23:41
      +2

      All the emails must be auto sent to their junk folder

  • Syd Bargain Girl on 20/11/2023 - 07:51
    +6

    https://youtu.be/aTkhdu2b2Mw?si=rwYN-xOUVnkOnUut

    This has been reported on ACA before, the Victorian government must fix this ASAP!

  • jonkvh on 20/11/2023 - 08:31

    The aggression part I can understand is a bit upsetting, but the Limo operators are allowed to operate as Taxi's but charge a premium to do so. Again, it's their tactics that stink.

    • jm7 on 20/11/2023 - 08:39
      +15

      They're not allowed to approach people at the airport though.

      • Naigrabzo on 22/11/2023 - 15:59
        -1

        But they do and did… ;)

  • PissLUR on 20/11/2023 - 10:50
    +1

    ACA has exposed these and nothing has been done by the authority.

  • AustriaBargain on 20/11/2023 - 12:52

    Is it illegal to ask someone if they need a taxi? The airport should ban them anyway, or there should be a specific area for you to go if you really want a limo.

    • jm7 on 20/11/2023 - 14:00
      +6

      Yes it is illegal.

    • Naigrabzo on 22/11/2023 - 15:59
      -1

      At the airport arrivals, it's illegal. Airport is not a public place so they get to set the rules.

    • jm7 on 20/11/2023 - 14:00
      +8

      They share similar sentiments but I don't have a reddit profile

      • Gervais fanboy on 20/11/2023 - 14:02
        +4

        He’s just unbelievable, isn’t he.. He keeps getting everything wrong and yet his levels of brazen confidence never come down.

        • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 14:08
          -6

          Well Mr 80% , I'll temper my reasons to trust YOUR judgement

      • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 14:05
        -3

        So what did plod say and was it local or AFP?

        • smartazz104 on 20/11/2023 - 19:12
          +7

          He said tell Protractor to put a sock in it.

      • Naigrabzo on 22/11/2023 - 16:00
        +1

        You seem to be getting Protracted attacks….. Maybe you touched a nerve. :)

    • jm7 on 20/11/2023 - 14:05
      +2

      And for the record I'm female, not male.

  • nightfever on 20/11/2023 - 13:43

    This is not new, and ACA has exposed these guys some time this year, nothing was really done about it. Not really sure calling the police would really help, technically asking someone if they need a taxi at the airport, is not really illegal. Perhaps the Airport Officials need to work with the Government/s to resolve this. A lot of people are probably not aware that these guys are touters and not official taxi operators.

    • jm7 on 20/11/2023 - 13:58
      +5

      It is illegal though

        • sardines on 20/11/2023 - 15:10
          +4

          its more about intimidation, being unsafe and ripping people off. I recall someone approaching my mum in a similar situation and wouldn't go away.. only left when my dad came back and told them to F.. off..

  • Zapwap on 20/11/2023 - 14:48
    +15

    Looks like Protractor is touter.

    • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 16:33
      -6

      Looks like Ozbargain has a glut of dodgy crystal ball collectors

    • twig on 20/11/2023 - 21:07
      +2

      The less funny jv

      • Naigrabzo on 22/11/2023 - 16:01
        +1

        jv is not this bad at personal attacks though. JV has some humour also….

    • Naigrabzo on 22/11/2023 - 16:01

      He is a bit more than that. Maybe a tool? I suppose Protractor is a tool by definition.

  • SpicyStew on 20/11/2023 - 15:18
    +1

    little rat

  • bazingaa on 20/11/2023 - 15:22
    +4

    just take 901 bus (bus stop is next to T4, just walk there : https://maps.app.goo.gl/vrYzwSeCDzcFvS697) to Brody and train to city. just $5 :D The true OzB way of getting to the city.

    • factor on 21/11/2023 - 08:02
      +1

      Just wait for the train - next service is pulling up real-soon-now.

  • dlakers3peat on 20/11/2023 - 17:54

    I was in Melbourne 2 weeks ago and there was an announcement warning people of this issue. No one apprached me, even though i saw them loitering about.

  • Drakesy on 20/11/2023 - 18:23
    +4

    I remember upon arriving at Delhi in India being accosted by 10-20 of them at one time. Couldn't imagine how confronting it would've been for a girl.
    Basically said fcuk that, went inside, bought a prepaid taxi voucher, walked over to the legit taxis and happy days.

    • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 22:13
      +3

      Should have organised a game of cricket. You would have caned them

      • Drakesy on 21/11/2023 - 00:32

        Australia always father of india

        • Save Medicare on 23/11/2023 - 11:25

          Can you explain this meme?

          • Gervais fanboy on 23/11/2023 - 11:30
            +1

            @Save Medicare: It’s not a meme, I think he’s talking about the Aussies whooping the Indians at cricket in meaningful finals.

      • Naigrabzo on 22/11/2023 - 16:02

        Need two more for full on cricket game.

        • Protractor on 22/11/2023 - 16:18

          Good point. 20 VS 3

  • Herbse on 20/11/2023 - 18:48
    +1

    Interested to know where they went from the airport? $120 is about normal price for anywhere that's over 30min away from the airport.

    • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 19:03
      -2

      It was a cheap limo ride, that's for sure

    • jm7 on 20/11/2023 - 19:22

      Maidstone

    • sheepzpal on 22/11/2023 - 10:25

      lol no.

  • digitalbath on 20/11/2023 - 18:54

    If people don’t have the smarts or are too naive to see this scam. Too bad. They will (hopefully) learn the hard way.

    • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 19:03
      -3

      New here, or just lost?

      • digitalbath on 20/11/2023 - 20:25

        Not new. Just like to point out people that are stupid.
        I feel people aren’t told this enough.

        • Protractor on 20/11/2023 - 22:12
          -1

          You don't need to 'feel' any longer. It's a fact. A sad dismal fact.

          • Gervais fanboy on 20/11/2023 - 23:39

            @Protractor: Stereotype much?

            Mr. Virtue being a hypocrite as always

            • Protractor on 21/11/2023 - 09:30
              -1

              @Gervais fanboy: Mr 80% racing through the straws

              • Gervais fanboy on 21/11/2023 - 12:33

                @Protractor: 99%**

                Wondering if you’d consider racing racist too, since most racing participants/fans are wHiTe 🥴

                • Protractor on 21/11/2023 - 13:57
                  -2

                  @Gervais fanboy: Your infatuation with me is embarrassing to witness.

                  • pinchies on 21/11/2023 - 15:16
                    +3

                    @Protractor: Personally, I hadn't heard of you before today… congratulations on making yourself infamous. 😂

                    • Protractor on 21/11/2023 - 15:17
                      -2

                      @pinchies: Infamous and stalked by Straw Boy. There may be a book in it.

                  • Gervais fanboy on 21/11/2023 - 20:13
                    -1

                    @Protractor: Really?

                    You have called me a racist a few times now, if this were irl I’d have decked you already but since it’s all only online I’d settle for just calling you out here, politely.

  • ECE on 20/11/2023 - 19:59
    +1

    Thanks. Times are tough 🤔

  • BartholemewH on 20/11/2023 - 21:44
    +1

    If it occurs again, don't call the police, call 1800 BIKIES.

    • McFly on 22/11/2023 - 14:20
      +1

      Thanks for the info - I didn't know the bikies had a limo service!

  • Pythagoras on 20/11/2023 - 22:28
    +2

    I was in Melbourne airport last week and was approached by 2 men outside Arrivals just after collecting my baggage asking me if I wanted a Taxi. I said no and walked over to the rank. Tbh I didn't know it was illegal and the fact that the taxi rank was a fair distance away, I can see how some people can get swindled.

    • Ziggy28 on 20/11/2023 - 23:37
      +5

      Melbourne airport is seriously no better than some 3rd world country airports. The airport looks old, there is absolutely nothing special about it, drop off and pick up lanes are ridiculously crammed, and you have to pay $4 for the use of a trolley when dropping off! Regarding the touts. why are there no signs in the airport in various languages warning of taxi touts? Plenty of border security staff inside the airport waiting to pounce on people doing illegal stuff, but once you clear the exit lane there are no airport staff in sight to deal with the touts. In addition the pick up lanes spots are heavily clogged with tout taxis and other vehicles who refuse to obey the 1 minute waiting sign and park there as they wish.

      • Yola on 21/11/2023 - 07:32
        +2

        The trolley charge is ridiculous and paints an abysmal picture of us. Not sure you can pay with cc; if not it is ridiculous to expect people to have coins when they arrive from overseas. They do not charge for them in other countries.

        • Tony-Abbott on 21/11/2023 - 15:56
          +1

          International they are all free. Domestic, use a credit card.

        • R4 on 21/11/2023 - 17:29
          +1

          I've had to pay for a trolley at some US airports - domestic only though. International is usually free.

  • ddilrat on 21/11/2023 - 01:24
    +1

    Yep got pestered by people for a taxi as soon as I left the security area in August. I have never seen that in any other Australian airport

  • kaleidoscope on 21/11/2023 - 08:04
    -1

    imo anyone thats using unmetered services and not services like uber / didi or metered taxis must be ripped off until they learn it the hard way

  • AAN on 21/11/2023 - 08:06
    +3

    BTW these touters also accredited commercial drivers with nice cars. But they are not meant to pick customers unless it booked in advance. This takes away business from Taxis.

  • payless69 on 21/11/2023 - 08:13

    So your parents splurged because of an influencer in a big building.
    How many large buildings house influencers? Churches, governments, schools?
    Or virtual, = media companies….

  • shaybisc on 21/11/2023 - 08:42
    +5

    Do you want the nanny state or not?

    • Cluster on 21/11/2023 - 14:25
      +1

      It's not a yes or no, black or white choice. There are shades of grey. Let one tout ply their trade outside the airport and the next day you'll see them multiply exponentially. You and I know how much a taxi fare should be, but do international travelers know? I have little doubt touts try to get $50 to travel two suburbs over.

  • bawls on 21/11/2023 - 09:00
    +2

    I used the touters often when travelling for work, maybe 10 years ago. I would use them about half the time and taxis the other half, for probably 50 trips over a couple of years. I don't think uber was on the scene back then. As a general rule prices were 5 to 10% higher than a standard taxi but I wouldn't have to wait in the taxi queue, the ride was more comfortable, and I felt much safer on the road with the touter drivers because they tended to be much better drivers. Often a limo booking had been cancelled or a flight had been delayed so they try to fill the slot. I only ever had great experiences with it. I haven't travelled lately so maybe things have changed.

  • gimme on 21/11/2023 - 09:45

    No big deal… some people would prefer to jump the queues etc and pay a premium for it. This happens all over the world and all you need to do is say no thanks and move on. We don't need a huge warning … unless of course OZB is full of people that have been living under a rock - highly unlikely.

    PS: Melb airport is worse than most third world airports anyway so quite fitting.

  • gromit on 21/11/2023 - 10:12

    It is a problem all over the world. Not as bad in Aus as places like the USA. really impossible for them to be completely shutdown without huge costs from airports/security/police.

  • pharkurnell on 21/11/2023 - 10:27

    Honestly what did you think the bloke would do? Thank you for costing him a fare? or buy you a coffee?

    • Protractor on 21/11/2023 - 13:59
      -1

      and she did not approach the situation calmly. She ran straight into it making it into a confrontation from the getgo.

  • Orpheon on 21/11/2023 - 12:10
    +2

    You're the hero we need more of, but don't deserve. Well done calling these POS's out.

  • R4 on 21/11/2023 - 13:25
    +4

    This is 3rd world shit - but then Melbourne and Sydney are busy trying to turn themselves into 3rd World cities

    • Protractor on 21/11/2023 - 14:00
      +2

      almost there,in fact

    • Ziggy28 on 21/11/2023 - 14:04
      +3

      I was laughed at here on Ozbargain when I predicted Melbourne and Sydney would resemble the streets of LA and NY one day. I stand by my prediction.

      • R4 on 21/11/2023 - 14:28
        +1

        I agree with your prediction. They are close to achieving it.

      • Protractor on 21/11/2023 - 15:25

        And the streets will be full of homeless and un/under employed working poor, more and more, as the stupid,lazy and irresponsible instant fix (bums on seats) model of social engineering takes it's toll.

        *High rents are driving our inflation because of record levels of immigration, and few appear willing to confront the problem. But this is not — and should not — be an argument about multiculturalism, race or diversity, writes Ian Verrender.

        https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-21/the-uncomfortable-tru…

        You'd think there would be at least one of the major parties who could grasp maths and basic physics.
        Thee's places across Australia already facing water insecurity and local govt is still hostage to developers.
        …Walking the plank with our eyes wide open…

  • Cluster on 21/11/2023 - 14:23

    I despise touts of all types. Ever exited Bangkok airport? There's an endless throng of people all along the escalators shouting at you for a ride before you get to the taxi rank. Crack down on it here before the arrival/departure area is clogged with tout's cars and people harassing you for money.

  • Nebargains on 21/11/2023 - 14:32

    I saw this at Melbourne airport last month too, at like 5:30 in the morning which was really surprising. I imagine they look up when flights land so they can hang around at the right time.

    First time I've ever seen it here, been approached like that in multiple other countries though.

  • Al09 on 21/11/2023 - 14:50

    They re in Sydney too…. Have been approached … And also nowadays after a concert too or events. Driving around.

  • Hangryuman on 21/11/2023 - 14:57
    +1

    yep - seen this on TV Current Affair several times - they dress in suits, pretend to filter in the crowd, then approach people with luggage walking out of the terminal - dodgy AF

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