Uber riders, watch out! Scammers are targeting passengers with a new trick right now

Maan · 2025-08-13T14:36:48+1000

You’ve just touched down at Melbourne Airport after a long visit with the grandkids. You’re tired, pulling your luggage, and looking forward to getting home. Then your Uber arrives—or so you think.

What happens next could turn a routine airport transfer into a frightening ordeal that’s becoming all too common in Melbourne.

Young Australian influencer Brooklyn recently shared her terrifying experience that has struck a chord with travellers. Her Uber driver at Melbourne Airport refused to use the mandatory safety code system and tried to get her to pay cash instead of through the app—a scam targeting passengers of all ages.

Brooklyn, who has over 250,000 followers on social media, described how her seemingly normal airport pickup quickly turned sinister.

Influencer recounts Uber ordeal

‘I got in the car, and the guy does not ask for my code. I start saying the code to him, and he doesn’t type it in. He drives off. I’m thinking, “Oh my f***ing god, this is how it ends”.’

Brooklyn

The driver claimed her verification code ‘didn’t work’—despite never entering it into his phone. He then insisted she pay him cash or transfer money directly, refusing to use the app’s payment system.

When Brooklyn demanded to be returned to the airport, the situation escalated. ‘He said, “I’m not taking you back”,’ she recalled. ‘I said, “You either take me back, or I’m getting out here. What would you prefer?”’

What is PIN Verification?

When you request an Uber with PIN verification enabled, you receive a unique four-digit code.

Before entering the vehicle, you tell the driver your PIN, and they must enter it into their app to start the trip. This helps verify that the right rider is getting into the right car.

The PIN verification system protects riders against drivers who might pretend to pick them up and charge them without providing the service. By refusing to enter the PIN and driving off, Brooklyn’s driver bypassed this vital safety feature.

Why Melbourne Airport is a hotspot for scams

Melbourne Airport has long been a hotspot for rideshare scams. Travellers have reported multiple scams, with numerous people sharing experiences similar to Brooklyn’s.

Did you know?

Taxi touting at Melbourne Airport Taxi touts have harassed tourists, offering unsolicited transport and refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer. While it’s illegal to approach people at the airport offering taxi services, legitimate drivers will not ask if you want a ride.

Other rideshare cons at Melbourne Airport include:

Common Rideshare Scams

The cancellation fee scam: Scammers accept your ride, make you wait, then veer off-route at the last minute to claim a fee, even though you are at the pickup point.

The fake Uber pickup: Drivers in unmarked vehicles approach travellers claiming to be their Uber, demanding excessive cash payments—sometimes hundreds of dollars for trips worth far less.

The wait time overcharge: Drivers charge ‘wait time’ fees even when passengers are ready at the pickup spot before booking.

Danger signals to watch for

Example Scenario

Driver doesn’t ask for or enter your PIN code This is the first red flag of a potential scam.

Insistence on cash payment or direct transfer Legitimate trips should always be paid through the app.

App suddenly ‘not working’ after pickup Could indicate manipulation by the driver.

Driver refuses to update destination in app A sign of possible detours or fraud.

Reluctance to return you to pickup point Don’t stay in the car—demand a safe return or exit.

Any deviation from normal Uber procedures Always trust your instincts if something feels off.

Never give your PIN to the driver via chat before they arrive—only share it in person before entering the vehicle.

If you are targeted, your safety comes first. Don’t get in if something feels wrong; cancel the trip and report the issue to Uber. If you’re already in the car, firmly refuse cash payments, ask to be returned to the airport, and state you are calling the police if necessary. Use the emergency button in the app to contact police and share your trip details.

Document everything: note the driver’s name and vehicle details, take screenshots of your app showing the trip, and keep records of accepted quotes to help process refunds.

What This Means For You

Airport pickups should be simple, not stressful. Have you or someone you know ever felt unsafe during a rideshare pickup at Melbourne Airport?

https://au.news.yahoo.com/uber-scam...-scary-request-to-aussie-woman-074629411.html

https://www.uber.com/us/en/safety/

https://www.mileagewise.com/uber-and-lyft-scams/

https://www.elitedaily.com/p/ubers-...safety-feature-is-all-about-security-18808293

https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/melbourne-airport-taxi-touts/

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/813206

https://www.australiantraveller.com/australia/airport-taxi-scams/

https://redflagscammers.com/traveller-letters-warning-fake-uber-scam-at-melbourne-airport/

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Show...er_Scams_in_Melbourne-Melbourne_Victoria.html

https://www.uber.com/gb/en/drive/driver-app/fraud-activities/

https://www.mass.gov/news/uber-scam

https://www.sokolovelaw.com/blog/8-uber-rideshare-safety-tips/

If you found this story alarming, there’s another real-life encounter that highlights just how quickly a rideshare trip can go wrong. It shows the tactics some drivers might use to pressure passengers into paying outside the app, and why staying vigilant is crucial.

For a closer look at a firsthand experience, check out this cautionary tale:

Read more: Protect Yourself: An Aussie Woman’s ‘Scary’ Encounter with a New Uber Scam You Need to Know About!

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