WASHINGTON, D.C. – Do you use “Uber” to travel, commute, or eat? As with any online app, use it cautiously. OAG has learned of recent phishing scams in the District that we believe are connected to the use of Uber. “Phishing” happens when scammers trick consumers into revealing their personal information via the Internet.

Should I be concerned?

To ensure your identity is not at risk of theft through the application, do not respond to unsolicited messages from drivers asking for personal information (e.g. phone number, e-mail address, etc.). If you are concerned that a driver’s message is a phishing attempt, do not respond and “screenshot” the messages. Uber provides a Help Page on its web page and through the application which provides ways to submit claims if you believe your account has been hacked. If you believe your account has been hacked, beware of fraudulent charges to your debit and credit cards linked to the Uber application.

What should I do if I experience identity theft?

If you experience identity theft or a fraud crime, report it to the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099.

If you’ve experienced any problems while using Uber, call OAG’s Office of Consumer Protection at (202) 442-9828, submit a complaint at consumer.protection@dc.gov or fill out an online form.

Learn the latest news and tips from the Office of the Attorney General by reading the OAG Blog.

The Office of the Attorney General works to educate District residents about their consumer rights, responds to individual consumer complaints, and takes appropriate law enforcement actions where possible. Learn more about your rights and how to protect yourself against scams at oag.dc.gov/ConsumerProtection.