On the morning of 3/1, the Nha Trang Ward People's Committee, Khanh Hoa province, stated they are verifying and clarifying reports of a taxi driver's fraudulent act against a foreign tourist in the area.

The scene of the driver swapping money from a customer. Photo: Screen capture from video

On the same day, a video allegedly showing a Nha Trang taxi driver performing "magic", swapping a 200,000 VND note from a tourist for a 10,000 VND note during fare payment, circulated on online platforms. The taxi was transporting two foreign tourists from central Nha Trang to the area in front of Dam Market gate, Nha Trang Ward.

Upon arrival, the Korean male tourist handed over a 200,000 VND note for payment. The driver received the money with his left hand, while simultaneously using his right hand to return a 10,000 VND note to the tourist, claiming insufficient payment. The driver pointed to the meter, stating the fare was 150,000 VND and requested more. The male tourist took the 10,000 VND note back and agreed to pay extra.

The entire incident was recorded by the female tourist in the back seat using her phone and posted on social media with a warning: "Be careful of the 'magicians' in Nha Trang. Received 200,000 VND with the left hand, pulled out 10,000 VND with the right hand."

After its appearance, the video garnered hundreds of thousands of views, interactions, and shares. Many expressed outrage at the driver's dishonest behavior, deeming it "a bad apple spoils the barrel" situation, negatively affecting the image of Nha Trang tourism in particular and Vietnam in general.

Previously, in 6/2025, the President of the Nha Trang Cyclo Tourism Union revoked the membership card of a driver, expelling him from the Nha Trang Cyclo Tourism Union for the offensive act of "snatching money" from a foreign tourist.

Bui Toan - Tuan Anh