Happy Friday my friend,
Uber has really helped out Hawaii's economy by offering locals a chance to earn some extra income through flexible scheduling. Unfortunately, scammers are targeting Waikiki drivers, attempting to steal their hard-earned fares.
Here's how it works:
1) The scammer uses a proxy to trick the Uber app into believing they're somewhere in Waikiki, then requests a pickup.
2) Once as an Uber driver accepts the ride, the scammer calls through the Uber app. Speaking in convincing English, they claim to be from Uber customer service and state that they are calling about a complaint against the driver.
Some notes on step 2. It is REALLY effective because:
a) Since the call is placed through the Uber app, the caller ID genuinely shows "Uber," adding credibility to the call. b) The call typically comes in right after the previous ride is wrapping up and the driver is distracted. This distraction significantly increases the scammer's chances of success. c) The call references a complaint against the driver, a major concern for Uber drivers because their livelihood depends on a positive rating system. Negative feedback can jeopardize their ability to receive future rides. Talk about a blood pressure spike.
3) The fake Uber scammer "validates" that they are "from Uber" by stating that the details of the next pickup (which themselves requested!) and will then ask for the driver's cell phone number, and request the driver repeat a pin that was just texted to them. Uh oh, you know where this is going.
4) Once the driver gives the scammer that pin, it acts as the 2-factor code that grants the scammer full access to driver's account! The first thing they'll do is empty out any funds the driver has earned.
Uber's policy allows fares to be collected and paid out at least once per week, sometimes daily, with payments electronically deposited into drivers' bank accounts. All the scammer needs to do is change the deposit account to one controlled by them, often a shady money mule account. As Uber tries to pay the hardworking driver, the funds are redirected to the scammer instead. Since funding isn't instantaneous, it can take days or even weeks for the driver to realize their paycheck isn't reaching their bank account. In the meantime, they continue driving and collecting fares, unknowingly working for the scammer.
The Takeaway
If you or someone you know drives for Uber and receives any phone calls claiming to be from Uber, hang up immediately. Then, contact Uber directly to verify if they had any reason to call you. If they did not, it’s likely a scam.
These scammers are ruthless and may even ask for pictures of the driver's license to "verify" their identity. This is a ploy to obtain a copy of their ID, which can be used to open credit cards, loans, or other forms of financial fraud.
If you know someone who has fallen victim to this scam, be sure they change their password and remove any connected devices from their account, as one of them is likely the scammer’s. Next, contact Uber's support department by going to Help in the Uber Driver app, then tap Call Support. The scammer might retaliate by posting a negative review, but Uber can help resolve this issue.
Stay safe out there.
-A
PS. In case you missed the KITV news segment on the CrowdStrike outage where Cypac was featured, here's the link.
New Friday Funnies
I was in a Uber today and the driver said,
"I love my job, I'm my own boss. Nobody tells me what to do…"
Then I said "turn left."
Have you met Jason Richard, the newest addition to the Cypac Team?
Not only is he a well versed in technology but is really into health and fitness. He can definitely bench press more than any other Cypac team member! His email is jason@cypac.com and you can call 808-797-2767
to say hi.
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