A review of Cabcharge usage in taxpayer-funded organizations is underway in Victoria following reports of widespread fraud. Taxi drivers, primarily using A2B's payment systems, are accused of overcharging vulnerable customers, including the elderly and disabled. Hospitals and other service providers have reported significant losses due to these scams.
The Allan government has initiated a review of Cabcharge product usage within taxpayer-funded organizations across Victoria following reports of widespread fraud.
This move comes after revelations of taxi drivers, particularly those utilizing payment systems from A2B (which owns Cabcharge, 13cabs, Silver Service, and provides booking and payment services for taxis nationwide), overcharging customers, including government-funded organizations that facilitate transportation for the elderly, disabled, and sick. Monash Health, Victoria's largest health service, has publicly denounced the unethical practices, stating it has detected multiple fraudulent Cabcharge fares. They are actively recovering funds for proven fraudulent charges and implementing a new paperless system to ensure the safe and secure transport of vulnerable patients. The hospital has confirmed that they identified 41 fraudulent charges, but this number is expected to rise. These scams often involve drivers exploiting loopholes within A2B's terminal and payment systems. A leaked email from December 2022 reveals the extent of the issue, highlighting that numerous clients, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and disability services nationwide, have been victims of these fraudulent activities. A2B identified 40 clients, collectively being scammed approximately 6,000 times. The Ku-Ring-Gai Neighbourhood Centre, a NSW-based non-profit supporting elderly and disabled individuals, discovered around 115 fraudulent charges after noticing inconsistent fares for their clients' regular taxi trips. A2B reimbursed the center for almost $8,000 covering all fraudulent fees and associated legitimate charges. Graeme Samuel, former head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and ex-chairman of Victoria's taxi commission, expressed his reluctance to utilize taxi services due to concerns about consumer exploitation and inflated costs. The government, in response to these revelations, has vowed to strengthen checks and balances within the procurement of Cabcharge products to protect passengers from further exploitation
Cabcharge A2B Fraud Taxi Government Healthcare Vulnerable Patients Victoria Australia Transportation
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