NEW YORK (WPIX) -
Besides getting ripped off you could be risking your life, if you get into a car other than a New York City yellow cab or a legitimate car service that you called ahead for.
Frequent fliers told PIX News they know what it's like to be approached by unscrupulous taxi hustlers.
"They try weekly and once they find out I'm a local and won't be fooled...they go away," said Queens resident Soma, as his wife picked him up from the airport.
The scammers are so busy this time of year. Police said they busted 17 of them at JFK and LaGuardia Monday afternoon into the evening.
One driver that authorities nabbed was a career criminal with 31 arrests - 17 for felonies - and a warrant out for his arrest.
"The outstanding felony warrants mean that he was a dangerous character and the outstanding warrants in Maryland indicate that he is truly a predator," said Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward.
Unlike legitimate cab drivers who undergo background checks, drug testing, and display their licenses, many taxi hustlers don't even have insurance. They normally park in short term lots and approach travelers as they get their bags.
"In a thoughtful easy way they say 'Would you like a nice ride to anywhere you want to go in New York City? I have a nice car...I can take you right to your front door. I can take your bags.'"
Hustlers typically offer a base price of around $40 - a fee that quickly escalates.
In one case, a ride from the airport to Midtown cost a couple $200.
Hustlers can be aggressive and persistent. Soma, who was getting picked up, says you have to be firm.
"If you say no decisively, they go away," he said.
A new law instituted last month has increased the penalties from a slap on the wrist to 90 days in jail or a $1,200 fine.
Frequent fliers told PIX News they know what it's like to be approached by unscrupulous taxi hustlers.
"They try weekly and once they find out I'm a local and won't be fooled...they go away," said Queens resident Soma, as his wife picked him up from the airport.
The scammers are so busy this time of year. Police said they busted 17 of them at JFK and LaGuardia Monday afternoon into the evening.
One driver that authorities nabbed was a career criminal with 31 arrests - 17 for felonies - and a warrant out for his arrest.
"The outstanding felony warrants mean that he was a dangerous character and the outstanding warrants in Maryland indicate that he is truly a predator," said Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward.
Unlike legitimate cab drivers who undergo background checks, drug testing, and display their licenses, many taxi hustlers don't even have insurance. They normally park in short term lots and approach travelers as they get their bags.
"In a thoughtful easy way they say 'Would you like a nice ride to anywhere you want to go in New York City? I have a nice car...I can take you right to your front door. I can take your bags.'"
Hustlers typically offer a base price of around $40 - a fee that quickly escalates.
In one case, a ride from the airport to Midtown cost a couple $200.
Hustlers can be aggressive and persistent. Soma, who was getting picked up, says you have to be firm.
"If you say no decisively, they go away," he said.
A new law instituted last month has increased the penalties from a slap on the wrist to 90 days in jail or a $1,200 fine.
