The Broward Sheriff’s Office Airport District is warning travelers not to let unlicensed rideshare solicitors disrupt their trips, urging passengers arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to stay alert and follow safety protocols as holiday travel ramps up.
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“Christmas brings a surge of travelers and whenever the terminals get packed, the number of unlicensed rideshare drivers trying to blend in rises along with it,” Brian Montgomery, captain of the BSO Airport District, said in a press release. “Let me be clear — operating as an unlicensed driver is illegal. We’re tightening our curbside oversight and increasing patrols to keep travelers safe and ensure everyone gets to their destination without being swindled.”
According to the sheriff’s office, travelers should rely on their rideshare app rather than verbal solicitations inside or outside the terminals. Anyone approaching with claims such as “I’m your driver” or asking where a passenger is headed should be treated as a red flag. Legitimate drivers, officials say, will ask for the passenger’s name, and riders should always confirm the driver’s name, license plate, and vehicle make through the app.
BSO also advises passengers to use only designated rideshare pickup zones at the airport. Authorized rideshare drivers meet passengers in these marked areas and display company decals on their vehicles. The absence of proper identification is considered another warning sign.
Travelers are further urged to refuse rides from unauthorized solicitors. Riding with an unlicensed driver carries risks, including the possibility that the driver has a criminal background or does not hold a valid driver’s license. Legal transportation options such as Uber, Lyft, taxis, and limousines provide background checks and trip tracking for added security.
The sheriff’s office encourages travelers to trust their instincts and prioritize personal safety. Suspicious activity should be reported, and passengers are advised not to enter a vehicle if something feels wrong.