TL;DR: Uber verifies drivers before they can accept rides, shows your driver's name, photo, license plate, and real-time location, and lets you share your trip live with someone else for an extra layer of safety. The verification and tracking built into the app make in-ride safety fairly strong, so most scams around Uber instead involve fake support numbers or phishing texts about a ride or refund that push you off the real app.
Uber is widely used, and for most people, most of the time, it works exactly as intended. Uber verifies drivers before they can accept rides, shows your driver's name, photo, license plate, and real-time location, and lets you share your trip live with someone else for an extra layer of safety.
What the Real Risks Are
The verification and tracking built into the app make in-ride safety fairly strong, so most scams around Uber instead involve fake support numbers or phishing texts about a ride or refund that push you off the real app.
Red Flags to Watch For
A driver who asks you to cancel the app trip and pay them directly, and a "refund" or "support" message with a link that doesn't lead to Uber's official site or app.
How to Use Uber Safely
Keep all payments and communication inside Uber’s own official app or platform — never move to text, email, or another app at someone else’s request. Verify who you’re dealing with before sending money or personal information, and turn on any extra security features Uber offers.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Is Upwork Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Is Venmo Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber safe to use?
Uber verifies drivers before they can accept rides, shows your driver's name, photo, license plate, and real-time location, and lets you share your trip live with someone else for an extra layer of safety.
What are the main risks of using Uber?
The verification and tracking built into the app make in-ride safety fairly strong, so most scams around Uber instead involve fake support numbers or phishing texts about a ride or refund that push you off the real app.
What red flags should I watch for on Uber?
A driver who asks you to cancel the app trip and pay them directly, and a "refund" or "support" message with a link that doesn't lead to Uber's official site or app.
How do I stay safe while using Uber?
Keep all payments and communication within Uber’s own official app or platform, verify who you’re dealing with before sending money, and enable any security features Uber offers, such as two-factor authentication.
What should I do if something goes wrong on Uber?
Report the issue directly to Uber’s support team, contact your bank or card issuer if money was involved, and change your password immediately if your account may be compromised.