Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash accounts are being openly bought and rented online, according to a May 15 statement from The Rideshare Guy. A CBS News investigation found that drivers and couriers for these platforms have been using accounts that do not belong to them. Reporters discovered listings for account rentals or sales on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram, with sellers offering ways to bypass background checks.
This practice raises concerns about passenger safety and the integrity of background checks within the rideshare industry. The issue has persisted over time as rideshare companies work to address ongoing identity fraud challenges.
Sergio Avedian, contributor to The Rideshare Guy, said he could buy stolen-identity accounts for a few hundred dollars and that most renters likely would not pass a background check on their own. In tests conducted by CBS LA involving eight deliveries, two DoorDash drivers did not match the in-app photo. One California passenger reported an incident where a driver who did not match the profile tried to enter his RV but left when confronted.
Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash have stated that account sharing violates their policies. They said they removed identified fraudulent accounts but acknowledged that identity fraud remains an ongoing challenge.
The findings highlight persistent vulnerabilities in gig economy platforms regarding user verification processes. As rideshare usage continues to grow ahead of major events like the World Cup surge expected next month, ensuring safe practices remains critical for both passengers and companies.
