Uber is a popular mode of transport in cities worldwide, yet it has several difficulties. Uber scams including false cleaning costs, inflated route times, and more may be avoided.
What are the most common Uber scams?
Uber scams include lengthier rides and wrong payment methods.
- Your Uber Driver Lies About Cleaning Fees
Uber normally doesn’t charge a cleaning fee unless you spill greasy food on a seat. Sometimes shady Uber drivers can charge you a bogus cleaning fee.
In 2023, Newsweek reported that a woman accused her driver of overcharging her $150 for cleaning. After finding Uber sent her a Google Images image, she was refunded. On Reddit, several individuals have reported this fraud.
- Not finishing the trip after dropping you off
Uber drivers should cease your journey after dropping you off, but some riders have had issues. So, the trip cost more than expected.
Scams like this might make refunds difficult. Therefore, avoiding the issue is best.
Check out Uber’s ride options to maximize your Uber experience. This lets you arrive at your location in comfort.
- Your Driver Abuses You by Extending the Trip
This Uber scam is similar to the one we outlined, but the driver purposefully takes a longer route. Your driver may take you along unneeded backstreets in a metropolis instead of the most effective route.
If you need to alter routes, Uber should ask you. This trick applies to all taxi rides.
- Uber Driver Demands Cash When You Didn’t Choose to
Cash is one of several Uber payment options. Your driver requesting you to pay with cash even if you’ve chosen a different way on the app is another scam.
You need not pay cash unless you want to. Your driver should not be forceful to get you to pay.
- Different Uber Driver Picks You Up
The Uber driver in the app should pick you up. Users have reported issues with a different driver driving the arriving automobile.
Stay out of the automobile in these situations. It could deceive you and endanger you. To ride Uber safely, verify your driver beforehand and use alternative means.
Uber Rides: Avoid Scams
After learning about some of the most typical Uber ride scams, let’s discuss how to avoid them.
- Read Driver Reviews Before Booking
You may check driver reviews before booking an Uber ride to make sure you like them. The technique is simple.
Report your Uber ride.
Find the driver’s star rating/profile image and tap it.
Check the reviews and make sure you like your driver.
No need to do anything if you like your driver. If not, cancel the ride.
- Use Uber Trip Verification
Uber helps you check your journey to guarantee the proper driver picks you up. Enter a PIN code to prove you’re in the proper automobile after activating it. You can enable this in settings:
Open Uber and select Account > Settings.
Select Verify your journey under Safety.
Turn on Use PIN to verify travels.
Turn on Night-time only to enable PIN for night rides. Choose your favorite option and click Done.
Ask the Uber driver, “Is this for [your name]?” when your trip arrives.
After an Uber or other online scam, follow these actions.
- Pick the Right Payment Method
Uber riders must choose the proper payment option to avoid overpaying. You can choose how to pay when you confirm a ride:
Enter your destination and confirm your location to book an Uber trip.
Select your payment method on the next page. Select Add payment method to add a card.
Follow the on-screen instructions and await your driver.
- Report Scams ASAP
Following these Uber fraud prevention methods can greatly lower the risk. Occasionally, you may meet the wrong driver.
If defrauded, notify it immediately. This will protect other riders and allow Uber to punish the offender. How to report scams and other issues:
Go to Activity in the Uber app before selecting the ride to report.
Scroll down to assistance and select Report safety concern before reporting what happened as instructed on-screen. You should offer evidence when possible.
Even though most Uber drivers are reliable and you’ll rarely have issues, you should still avoid frauds!
