Double-dipping Uber claims: drivers accused of manipulating fares

Queensland Uber drivers are demanding extra cash from riders, threatening them and using manipulation tactics.

Uber's underbelly exposed.

Uber riders are being warned not to make additional cash payments after the ride sharing company launched an investigation into claims drivers were double dipping.

Uber launched its investigation this week, after a scathing social media post claiming Uber drivers at the Sunshine Coast had locked passengers in cars and pressured them to make extra cash payments beyond the app’s fare.

The post, shared by a local Instagram account, called out Uber Australia, highlighting drivers were allegedly engaging in deceptive behaviour to increase fares.

The post claims drivers were cancelling trips mid-ride, forcing the ride request to be recalculated at a higher rate, and then demanding cash payments.

The complaints have come from the Sunshine Coast.

In more severe cases, according to the post by a Maroochydore-based social media account, some drivers were allegedly threatening riders, creating a fearful experience and discouraging them from reporting incidents to police, Uber or transport authorities.

One commenter said she had been locked in a car after the driver cancelled her trip on the app and then demanded a cash payment.

Another user advised passengers to take note of drivers’ details and avoid exiting the vehicle until the police had arrived.

Uber Australia, Queensland Police and Queensland Transport were all contacted for comment about the claims and all reported no incidents.

In a statement, Queensland Police said the department was unaware of any reports about Uber drivers engaging in double dipping and no charges had ever been laid in Queensland over such claims.

Horror stories have been coming to light.

Queensland Transport said it had received complaints about Uber drivers but was unable to document how many incidents over the past year.

Uber responded to the incidents, saying “we take matters like this very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation”.

In a statement, Uber said it did not tolerate this kind of behaviour from drivers, and relied on riders to report instances of drivers soliciting cash so action can be taken.

“Fraudulent activity, such as driver-partners encouraging riders to pay cash in exchange for a trip, is a clear breach of Uber’s Community Guidelines and this kind of behaviour can result in driver-partners permanently losing access to the app,” Uber said.

“We encourage riders to report behaviour such as this through the app, so we can take action right away.

Riders have been sharing their nightmare with Uber drivers on the Sunshine Coast.

“Safety is a top priority and we are committed to ensuring we have robust processes and cutting-edge features built into our technology to support the safety of everyone who uses our app.”

Although the posts were concentrated in the Sunshine Coast area, commenters alleged similar incidents occurred in other parts of the country, sparking a nationwide discussion on social media.

The practices, which contravene Uber’s policies, have been flagged as a safety risk and an alarming breach of public trust.

Uber’s Incident Response Team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to any reported incidents or accidents.