Beware of Fake Ride-Share Scams at Airports

A recent incident brought to light by a Reddit user, chknsalad89, underscores the growing menace of scams involving ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. These scams take advantage of unsuspecting travelers, often in busy locations such as airports, and are a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and the services you utilize.

In the incident reported, a traveler at a major US airport fell victim to a scam that began innocently enough. While waiting at the designated rideshare area, a man approached her, offering to provide her an Uber ride. The woman, needing a ride to her destination, entered her destination into the app on the man’s phone, innocently believing him to be a legitimate Uber driver.

The driver then asked her to pay for the ride using a Square cash reader, a device that allows for the acceptance of credit and debit card payments by connecting it to a mobile device, instead of through the app. This should have been a warning sign, as legitimate ride-sharing services handle all payments through their apps, not through separate payment devices. In this case, the scammer charged her $178 for a ride that should have cost only $40.

Unfortunately, the realization of the scam came too late for the traveler. She had already entered the vehicle and was en route to her destination. Under the guise of ensuring her safety, she cooperated with the scammer. Despite the hefty financial loss, she was fortunate that no further harm came to her.

So, what can we learn from this and how can one protect oneself from such scams?

1. Always Order Through the App: Legitimate ride-sharing services handle all transactions through their apps. Drivers do not have the ability to manually enter or charge fares. If a driver asks you to pay outside of the app, this is a clear red flag.
2. Confirm Your Ride: Always confirm the driver’s identity, the make and model of the car, and the license plate number before entering the vehicle. These details are provided in the app when you order a ride.
3. Never Share Personal Information: Do not share any personal information with your driver beyond what is necessary to get you to your destination. This includes payment information.

In terms of recourse, it’s always a good idea to report such incidents to the local police, the ride-sharing company, and your bank or credit card company. The latter might be able to issue a chargeback for fraudulent charges. However, prevention is always the best course of action, so always be vigilant and aware when using ride-sharing services, particularly in busy and unfamiliar locations.