Fake Uber drivers are on St. John's roads at night, says downtown business owner
Niall Hickey urging vigilance, after seeing drivers trying to pick up people several times a week
In the late hours of the night, drivers claiming to be working for Uber are prowling the streets — and one downtown business owner is urging people to watch out and not climb into any suspicious vehicles.
Niall Hickey, who co-owns the Newfoundland Embassy Pub and Eatery, said he had to urge his friend to get out of a vehicle whose driver was claiming to be with the ride-hailing service.
The experience prompted him to take to social media to warn people.
"I've been seeing this for a while, even before Uber came to St. John's. It'll be out late at night and a car pulls up outside and asks you if you want a ride," Hickey told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show.
"Now they're saying they're Ubers, which is pretty scary. But you know, you didn't book an Uber, don't get into an Uber."
He said these incidents typically happen between midnight to three o'clock in the morning.
"I see it every night I close," Hickey said, which he does several times a week.
Hickey said he's seen these vehicles approach people who work downtown as they're walking to their vehicles, asking them if they want a ride.
"I always see the same few cars on a certain night, driving around and I see it constantly," he said.
Before Uber arrived in St. John's, Hickey said these drivers would ask people if they wanted a ride home, but now he said they identify themselves as Uber drivers.
In a statement to CBC News, Uber spokesperson Gabriela Condarco-Quesada said the safety of both drivers and riders is a company priority.
"Riders should always match important trip details, like the licence plate, make and model of the vehicle, and driver name with the app, and only take trips requested through the app. Our Community Guidelines prohibit off-app pickups," she said in an email.
On the company website, there are steps riders are told they can take to ensure their safety, like making sure the details of the booked ride match the vehicle that shows up as well as confirming the passenger and driver have the same PIN verification.
Take caution
Hickey said there are a number of ways for people to ensure that they don't climb into one of the fake Uber rides — including finding the downtown cab stand or calling a taxi operator for a ride.
If you're using a ride-hailing option, he also emphasized making sure you book through the app.
"I wouldn't believe anyone's number unless you booked it yourself," he said.
Hickey said if anyone is approached by a driver claiming to be with Uber, the person should decline the ride and also take a photo of the licence plate and report it to police.
"You've got to watch how much you drink and obviously [keep] a good head on your shoulders because [it's] scary stuff. You know, that's how people get lost," said Hickey.
Public safety an issue
RNC Const. James Cadigan said he isn't aware of any police reports about drivers posing as Uber rides, but advised people who have experienced this to report it to police.
"This could be a safety risk," said Cadigan.
He said there is a system in place for licensed taxi drivers to ensure passenger safety.
"Don't get in the vehicle if somebody approaches you and offers a ride stating that they are a particular service when there's no markers, no app-connected identifiers."
If the vehicle doesn't have insurance, then any injuries a person might get in a crash may not be covered and lead to life-long problem, Cadigan said.
He also asked people to send in information that could help the police.
"If this is happening and it's flying under the radar to an extent, you know, maybe there is information there that may assist us."
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With files from The St. John’s Morning Show
