KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Local Uber Driver Shares Experience to Warn Others of Rideshare Scam
In Knoxville, a local Uber driver recently fell victim to a sophisticated scam that has been targeting rideshare drivers across the United States. The driver, Ron Cowen, is sharing his experience in hopes of preventing others from being tricked and losing their money.
Scam Details
Cowen explained how the scammer contacted him through the Uber app, presenting themselves as an official Uber support representative. “It was a very well put together scam where someone called me through Uber and claimed to be support,” Cowen stated. The caller claimed that there were issues with people using other individuals’ accounts, which piqued Cowen’s interest.
The scammer had knowledge of Cowen’s ride history, even mentioning specific rides he had completed. “They went down the line on my profile and just listed all the rides I’ve ever given,” Cowen recounted. This detailed information made the scam seem more credible.
The Moment of Deception
After requesting verification of Cowen’s information, the scammer promised to call him back shortly. When they did call back, they instructed Cowen to take down card information to receive a bonus. Cowen, who admitted to being tired after only getting about an hour of sleep, complied without thinking. “Before I could realize what happened, he hung up and my money was gone,” he said. In total, Cowen lost $550 due to this scam.
Industry Expert Weighs In
Following Cowen’s unfortunate experience, Tony Binkley from the Better Business Bureau offered his insights about the increasing creativity of scammers today. “To get to your money, they need something from your identity to identify you,” Binkley explained. He provided a simple piece of advice for individuals who might receive unexpected communication. “If you’re not expecting these things, don’t respond to them,” he insisted.
Binkley further emphasized, “If you’re not expecting that phone call, email, or text, just don’t respond.” Cowen echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the idea that it’s crucial not to divulge personal information, specifically to anyone claiming to be from Uber.
Uber’s Response
Uber responded to the incident, underscoring their commitment to safety and security for users of their platform. A spokesperson for the company stated, “What Ronald experienced is unfortunate and appears to have been the work of calculated scammers.” They acknowledged Cowen’s loss and confirmed that they had restored the funds to his account.
Uber reiterated that they advise drivers and riders never to share sensitive account information such as passwords or verification codes. “We will never ask you for this information,” they stated.
A Call to Action
Cowen’s experience serves as a serious warning for rideshare drivers. It highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious, especially when receiving calls that seem legitimate. As rideshare driving becomes a more popular source of income, it is critical for drivers to stay informed about potential scams targeting their livelihoods.
For those driving for rideshare companies or using online platforms, remember to verify any communication through the official channels and never share personal or financial information over the phone with unknown callers. Protecting oneself against scams is essential in today’s digital economy.
