Scam · medium risk · 2026
Taxi scam: POS 'Broken' — Forced Cash / ATM Detour
Driver claims card machine is broken, drives to ATM, demands inflated cash amount.
How it works
After arrival or mid-trip, 'POS bozuk' — you must pay cash. If no cash, driver detours to ATM, often the furthest one, with meter running.
Where it happens
Airport runs, late-night rides.
Red flags
- No 'POS var mı?' answered before ride
- Card terminal not visible in dashboard area
What to do — during
Ask 'POS var mı?' before getting in. If POS suddenly broken, demand to call BiTaksi/Uber support if you booked via app. Otherwise refuse, exit, walk.
What to do — after
Daily Sabah's 2025 enforcement specifically targets POS-refusal complaints. Report to 153.
Emergency contacts
112 Emergency
Single Turkish emergency line. English available.
Tourism Police
+90 (212) 527-4503 · Sultanahmet
IBB Beyaz Masa
153 · IBB taxi complaint hotline
Full police contacts
FAQ
Source: Daily Sabah taxi enforcement; letstraveltoturkiye.com