Thieves Use Rideshare Drivers as Unwitting Getaway Drivers

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A disturbing trend is emerging across the country as criminals increasingly exploit rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to facilitate crimes, turning unsuspecting drivers into unwitting accomplices in their illegal activities.

Law enforcement agencies report criminals are using fake profiles to conceal their identities when requesting pickups, then using the vehicles for various criminal purposes including shoplifting getaways, drug deals, and even more serious offenses.

The phenomenon has caught the attention of federal authorities. FBI field offices have issued warnings about rideshare-related crimes, with Baltimore Police investigating 39 rideshare carjacking and robbery cases since last month.

The appeal to criminals lies in the services’ convenience and perceived anonymity. According to the FBI, rideshare services are attractive because they are more direct, easy to book and have security protocols that are not as strict as other forms of transportation.

However, experts warn this strategy is fundamentally flawed. Location tracking occurs from the moment someone requests a ride until the driver ends the trip, with tracking taking place on both the passenger’s and driver’s phones.

The crimes range from petty theft to violent offenses. In many cities, criminals often carjack active drivers, then use the app to respond to calls and rob unsuspected riders, with victims sometimes forced into vehicles and driven to various areas.

Police report most of these rideshare crimes are committed by repeat offenders using groups of two or more people to target victims.

The trend has prompted new safety measures. Colorado legislators recently passed a bill requiring rideshare drivers to continuously record video and audio throughout every ride, following incidents where drivers used fake profiles.

Law enforcement recommends rideshare drivers verify and screen riders, avoid accepting third-party requests, and stay aware of their surroundings, particularly during pickups and drop-offs.

The digital nature of rideshare platforms creates both opportunities and obstacles for law enforcement. While the extensive tracking data can help solve crimes, the ease of creating fake accounts and the rapid nature of the services present new challenges for preventing criminal activity.