Taxi Meter Tampering
Meter Rigging by Drivers
In Latvia, taxi drivers in urban areas often tamper with meters to show inflated fares, such as starting the meter at a higher rate or accelerating it mid-ride. This is prevalent during late nights or when hailing cabs outside airports and train stations, where fares might jump from a standard 2-5 EUR for a short city ride to 10-15 EUR or more through manipulation. Drivers may claim technical issues or take detours through Riga's traffic-heavy routes to justify the hike.
- Use licensed apps like eTaxi or Bolt, which show fixed upfront fares in EUR and track your route via GPS.
- Avoid hailing street cabs; opt for those from official stands at Riga International Airport, where rates are regulated.
- Always check for a visible meter and ask for the rate upfront in Latvian or English, such as 'Cik maksā?' (How much?), and carry exact change to avoid disputes.
ATM Skimming Devices
Skimmer Installation on ATMs
Scammers in Latvia attach skimming devices to ATMs in busy public areas, like shopping centers or near Riga's Central Market, to steal card details and PINs. These devices are often placed on machines in less-monitored spots, leading to unauthorized withdrawals of amounts up to several hundred EUR from tourists' accounts, exploiting the Euro currency for quick laundering.
- Inspect ATMs for any loose parts or overlays before use, especially in Riga's Old Town where crowds provide cover.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and use ATMs inside banks during business hours for added security.
- Monitor your bank statements regularly and consider using contactless payments or cards with chip-and-PIN for transactions in Latvia.