Scam · high risk · 2026
Taxi scam: Tampered / Inflated Meter Hardware
Meter clocks 3-5× the real rate via hardware modification.
How it works
Documented case: 4 km ride shows 300 TL. Tampered taksimetre clocks abnormally fast or applies illegal night tariff (code 2) during day.
Where it happens
Anywhere — most often opportunistic on tourist-heavy routes.
Red flags
- Meter climbing faster than you're moving
- Code '2' (night) visible during daytime
- Rate jumps in chunks not increments
What to do — during
Open Google Maps and compare. Photograph the meter display. Tell driver you'll call 153.
What to do — after
File complaint at +90 212 153 00 00 (Beyaz Masa) with photos. UKOME revoked licenses for tampering in 2025.
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: istanbultour24.com; TripAdvisor Istanbul forum 2025