Rideshare drivers have been sharing their own experiences with scams to warn others about common scams targeting them. Here are a few that are being talked about:
1. Fake “Uber/Lyft Support” calls after a ride request
One driver shared that the scammer requests a ride first, which lets them contact the driver through the app. Once the driver accepts, the scammer calls the driver and claims to be Uber or Lyft Support.
The scammer will tell the driver things like:
- “There’s a serious complaint against you.”
- “A passenger said you don’t match your profile photo.”
- “There’s an issue with your account.”
- “Your account is going to be suspended.”
- “We need to verify your identity.”
Then they ask for a verification code, account information, driver’s license information, or other details. Once they get enough information, they can potentially take over the driver’s account and redirect/drain earnings.
2. Fake complaint → Login-code scam
The scammer tells the driver that someone reported them. Common accusations include the driver:
- Not matching their profile photo
- Driving under someone else’s account
- Being intoxicated
- Having another serious complaint against them
The scammer then says something like: “Before we can clear the complaint, we need to verify your account.” That’s when they try to obtain the driver’s one-time login code/PIN to get into their account.
3. The “I’ll Pay You on Cash App” scam
According to one victim who said this happened twice in one month, the rider offered to pay with cash or Cash App instead, and never pay.
4. The “We’ll compensate you” payout scam
After convincing the driver there’s a problem with their account, a fake representative says they’re going to pay the driver for their inconvenience.
Then the scammer walks the driver through changing or adding a payout/debit card on their app. Except – the new payout method belongs to the scammer.
The driver thinks they’re setting themselves up to receive money when they’re actually helping the scammer take their earnings.
5. The “Let Me Put the Address In”
A rider gets in and says the wrong address was entered for the trip. They offer you a cash tip to change it.
When you ask for the new address, they may purposely make it hard to understand. Then they say, “Just give me your phone. I’ll put it in.” Once they have your phone, they may lock it and ask you to enter your passcode so they can watch and remember it.
With your phone and passcode, a thief may be able to change your payout information, access other accounts on your phone, or even take the phone and leave.
Never hand an unlocked phone to a rider or enter your passcode where they can see it. If the destination needs to change, have the rider update the trip from their own app.
How to Protect Yourself
Most of these scams have one thing in common: someone is trying to rush you into giving up information or money.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Never share a login or verification code. Even if the person says they’re from Uber or Lyft.
- Don’t give out your password, banking information, or other personal information over a call or message you weren’t expecting.
- Don’t change your payout information because someone tells you to.
- Keep rides and payments in the app.
- Don’t let threats rush you. Claims that your account will be suspended or that you need to act immediately are a red flag.
- When in doubt, hang up and check. Open the official Uber or Lyft driver app and contact Support yourself.
If something feels off, don’t follow the person’s instructions. Go directly through the rideshare app instead.
