A reader shared a frustrating and expensive experience at Chicago O’Hare that highlights what may be the latest Uber scam, and why one simple setting can save you a lot of money and aggravation.
Confused, the reader messaged the driver, who responded about ten minutes later claiming he had picked up the wrong passenger. He said he would come back. Instead, the driver ended the trip, the reader was charged $23, and the driver disappeared. Uber’s system showed the ride ending on the side of a highway, even though the reader never entered the vehicle. After five hours, Uber support still had not responded.
This is not a simple mistake. It appears to be a deliberate tactic (and looking online, not so uncommon…). By starting the trip without the correct passenger and then ending it elsewhere, the driver triggers a fare while avoiding providing any actual service. The burden then shifts to the rider to dispute the charge and wait for support to intervene.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
