Woman allegedly evades taxi fare: 'A mere $18.30 to you is three meals for him'
A woman allegedly alighted from a taxi before paying her $18.30 fare on Aug 27.
The trip was from Outram Community Hospital to Clementi Avenue 2 at around 7.30pm.
Stomper Zann, a friend of the taxi driver, is appealing for the woman to come forward and make payment.
Zann said: "Before alighting, she was told to scan the PayNow QR code, but she left in a hurry, claiming she had paid before the taxi uncle could have a clearer look at the transaction and details."
According to Zann, the cabby is in his 50s to 60s and not digitally savvy.
"He did not receive much education. He is only able to understand a few English words but cannot write," the Stomper shared. "Only recently did his family or friends help him to set up the QR code payment, but he does not know how digital banking works."
While the taxi driver wanted to let the incident go, Zann felt indignant on his behalf: "He wanted to keep quiet and put the whole incident behind him, but I just find it very unfair.
"Not only towards him, but the rest of the old folks too. You know, they are very scared of 'trouble' and being 'troublesome'. They do not know where to seek help too. They also get scared when you ask them to call operators and find it a hassle to make police reports.
"I just hope this woman is not going around, preying on uncles or old folks, taking taxis again and pretending to make payment before running away.
"There could be more of such taxi uncles or old folks suffering in silence, and they will surely blame themselves for not being careful enough."
Zann hopes that by highlighting this, others can help to keep a lookout and be wary so that no one else falls victim to similar incidents.
"Life is already hard for taxi drivers nowadays, yet someone still took advantage. I sincerely hope this was just a genuine mistake and the lady can come forward to make payment," the Stomper added.
"To you, it is just a mere $18.30, but for this uncle, it could mean three meals for him. Please have a heart."
