East TN rideshare driver warns others of scam after losing $550

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — An East Tennessee Uber driver is warning others of a scam targeting rideshare drivers across the country.

Ron Cowen, a local driver, fell victim to the scam. He told 6 News that the scammer called him through the app and claimed to be with Uber. He went on to say the scammer told him that Uber was having issues with people using other people’s accounts.

“It was a very well put together scam where someone called me through Uber and claimed to be support,” Cowen said. “They went down the line on my profiled and just listed all the rides I’ve ever given.”

Cowen said that the scammer told him once they verify his information they will call him back and a short time later that is exactly what the scammer did.

“In order to get this bonus added to your account, just take this card information down,” Cowen said. “It was late. I was going off of probably an hour of sleep right then and I just put it down and hit ok. Before I could realize what happened, he hung up and my money was gone.”

According to Cowen, $550 was taken. “It was pretty rough,” Cowen said.

Tony Binkley with the Better Business Bureau explains how scammers are becoming more creative, however each scam is hoping to get the same thing.

“To get to your money they need something from their identity to identify you,” Binkley said. “If you’re not expecting these things don’t respond to them. If you’re not expecting that phone call, email or text, just don’t respond.”

Cowen echoed Binkley’s message.

“Don’t give out your information,” Cowen said. “One thing that Uber is big on is they won’t call you and ask for stuff they will always send texts through their actual email or the Uber chatline.”

Uber did release a statement to us that said: “What Ronald experienced is unfortunate and appears to have been the work of calculated scammers. We have spoken with him and restored the lost funds to his account. Uber is deeply committed to safety and security on our platform. We routinely remind riders and drivers to never share personal account information, such as passwords or verification codes, with anyone and we will never ask you for this information.”

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