Hackers hijack Phuket ride-hailing apps

Hackers hijack Phuket ride-hailing apps, plunge taxi system into scam chaos

In Phuket the ride-hailing ecosystem was thrown into disarray after cyber-criminals hijacked popular app accounts and redirected legitimate booking traffic to scammers posing as drivers. Tourists and local users reported being matched with fake drivers who used manipulated apps and overcharged fares, in some cases abandoning riders or failing to pick them up altogether. The hack targeted the back-end systems of multiple ride-hailing platforms, allowing attackers to intercept ride requests and reroute them for profit. Local authorities and the app operators are now investigating the breach, warning users to check driver and vehicle details and refrain from paying outside app-scheduled routes. The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of digital transport services to cyber-fraud and the need for stronger security protocols.