The car looks like an Uber, but the vibes are off—and you need to trust that feeling.
Getting into a stranger’s car used to be unthinkable. Now it’s a daily routine for millions of people relying on Uber or Lyft to get around. But with the convenience comes a darker side: scammers who pose as drivers to steal money, phones, or even worse. Some don’t work for any app at all—they just slap a sticker on their windshield and hope you’re too distracted to notice.
It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re running late, your phone’s dying, or the bar just closed. That’s exactly when fake drivers strike. These scams are getting more creative and harder to spot, especially in busy cities and outside airports. If you don’t know what to look for, it’s way too easy to end up in the wrong car with the wrong person. These 11 red flags can help you stay alert—and stay safe.
1. The driver pressures you to skip app confirmation.
A real rideshare driver never tells you to just “get in” or says the app is acting weird. If they urge you to skip verifying your ride through the app, that’s a major red flag, according to Glenn Honda at Recovery Law. It usually means they’re not with Uber or Lyft at all.
The entire point of using the app is to track the ride, confirm the driver’s identity, and handle payment securely. If someone’s trying to bypass that process, they’re not trying to save you time—they’re trying to scam you. Don’t get in, even if the car looks legit.
2. The license plate doesn’t match what’s in the app.
It seems obvious, but in a rush, people skip this step all the time. Always check the license plate on the car against what’s listed in the app. Even one off character means it’s not your ride.
Scammers know people glance but don’t always read carefully. If they pull up confidently and act like your driver, you might assume it’s fine. Don’t. Take a second to check the plate. If it doesn’t match, it’s not your car—no matter how nice the driver seems, as stated by Berg Injury Lawyers.
3. The driver can’t say your name—or gives you the wrong one.
A legit Uber or Lyft driver will ask, “What’s your name?” to confirm they’ve got the right rider. A scammer might avoid asking or try guessing names until someone bites. If they say your name wrong or not at all, they’re fishing, as reported by David P. Willis at Asbury Park Press.
Always ask them your name first. Don’t offer it. This is one of the simplest tricks to spot a fake. If they can’t confirm who they’re picking up, they’re not using the app properly—or they’re not using it at all.
4. The driver demands cash or says their app is down.
Uber and Lyft don’t require you to pay drivers directly. Ever. If someone says their app isn’t working and asks for cash, Venmo, or any kind of direct payment, they’re not legit. This scam’s popular in tourist areas, where people are unfamiliar with how things work.
It might sound convincing—something about fees not showing up or needing “gas money.” Don’t fall for it. Real drivers get paid through the platform. If they’re asking you to pay on the spot, walk away and report it.
5. The car doesn’t have any rideshare ID displayed.
Most platforms require drivers to display some kind of ID—an Uber decal, Lyft sticker, or a dashboard sign. If the car rolls up with nothing showing, that’s a red flag. Especially if they’re vague about who they are or what platform they’re on.
It’s not proof on its own, but it’s part of the picture. Legit drivers want you to feel safe, and they follow the rules. No ID means either they’re new and unprepared—or they’re faking it completely.
6. The driver doesn’t know where you’re going.
When you book through the app, the driver already has your destination. If they ask where you’re going like they have no clue—or worse, say “just tell me in the car”—that’s suspicious. They should already be en route through GPS.
Some scammers use this tactic to fish for personal info or reroute you. A legit driver might ask for clarification, but they’ll never act completely unaware. If the ride seems improvised, trust your gut and cancel.
7. You feel rushed or guilt-tripped into getting in.
Scammers love urgency. They’ll honk, wave you over, or say “hurry up, you’re holding me up.” That pressure is designed to override your instincts. If someone’s pushing you to get in fast, pause. Confirm every detail first.
No legit driver gets mad when you double-check. They’d rather wait 30 seconds than risk a low rating or complaint. If someone’s trying to guilt you into the car, they’re more focused on getting you inside than getting you somewhere safely.
8. The car isn’t clean or doesn’t match the type in the app.
Your app said a black Toyota Camry is coming—but this car’s a gray Dodge with no A/C and weird stains on the seat. That’s not just bad service—it’s probably not your ride. Don’t talk yourself into it because it “might be close.”
Check the make, model, and color. If anything’s off, it’s not your driver. Professional rideshare drivers take pride in their vehicle’s condition. A janky car with missing details is a clear warning sign.
9. The driver wants to pick up more passengers without notice.
Unless you’re in a carpool option (and those are usually paused in most cities), your ride should be just for you or your group. If the driver suddenly pulls over to pick someone else up, that’s not normal.
In some scams, fake drivers pose as UberPool rides to shuttle random people and charge them all. It’s unsafe and unapproved. If that starts happening, end the ride immediately and report it.
10. The route suddenly changes without explanation.
If the driver starts taking turns or detours that don’t match the app, ask why immediately. Some will claim “this way is faster,” but if it doesn’t show up on your GPS, that’s sketchy.
Going off-route without warning can be a setup for scams—or worse. Always watch the map as you ride, and don’t be afraid to speak up or cancel the trip if something feels off. Safety beats politeness every time.
11. The driver disables or hides the app while you’re in the car.
Once you’re in, the app should stay active. If the driver suddenly turns off navigation or closes the app, it cuts off your tracking and leaves you blind. That’s a huge red flag.
In some scams, drivers fake an app crash or say their phone is “glitching,” then charge you off-app or reroute you without permission. If the app disappears, ask to end the ride immediately. Your phone should always be able to track the trip until you get out.