Uber driver loses week of earnings after ‘imposter scam’ call
Sep 6, 2022, 4:53 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — A ride-share driver warns others of a scam that emptied his wallet while claiming to be customer support.
Cody Webb started to drive for Uber five years ago as a part-time hustle.
“I love it. I love meeting people,” Webb said. “It’s been crazy busy.”
And now, it’s his full-time job.
“No pun intended, but a great ride,” Webb said with a laugh.
Everything was headed in the right direction until an unexpected call last weekend.
A person claiming to be with Uber support notified him of a passenger’s complaint that Webb’s photo didn’t match the app.
“I thought that was odd that there was a complaint,” Webb explained.
The caller told him they were investigating and would get back to him. Later that day, a second number called him and gave him a card number to enter into the Uber app to reimburse him for the ride in question.
However, as soon as Webb entered the number.
“The money went out of my wallet. It was missing,” he said.
About a week’s worth of work, $1,237.43, disappeared from Webb’s Uber app.
“That’s when I realized, I was like oh my gosh, I just got scammed,” Webb said. “We’re left with nothing. We can’t even pay our rent.”
He got a hold of the actual Uber account security and risk team, seeing if they could help. Messages show Uber acknowledged Webb had been scammed.
“‘There’s no evidence suggest your account has been compromised,'” Webb reads the messages from Uber. “‘After reviewing your account, we have determined that you are ineligible for a refund.'”
It’s been a stressful couple of days for Webb and his family as he tries to re-earn his money and retain his diamond driving status.
“Just educate yourself. Be aware. Look for those red flags,” Webb said.
KSL TV contacted Uber about this incident after talking to Webb, and the ride-sharing company said they restored Webb’s earnings. Uber said they are aware of these “imposter scams” and are working to prevent them.
