Uber a popular ride-hailing service that allows customers to request rides remotely through their app is facing a nut-cracking challenge in the Kenyan context. Sadly, some Kenyans have invented a way to cunningly con from Uber drivers.
A varied number of drivers have testified to the unfortunate hurdles they have undergone at the hands of persons who disguise themselves as customers.
A statement posted on the Facebook page “Uber, Taxify, and Little Cabs Partners and Drivers Kenya” revealed the tricks deployed in the conning endeavours.
One of the Uber drivers posted a screenshot of a conversation he had with one of the Kenyans who was masquerading as a customer. The conversation kicked off with a salutation followed by a request for a ride.
“Hello, I request for a ride,” the customer requested. Upon the reply from the driver, the customer went on to request Ksh 100 to buy tokens followed by a vow to pay back once the driver arrived.
“Boss, I swear on my mother’s grave, I will pay you well. I told you I have cash, and I will refund you when you arrive. Send me Ksh 100 I buy tokens since am in a blackout,” the individual added.
Also Read: Digital Taxi Drivers on Strike
Another Conning Trick Revealed
At the same time, another Uber driver narrates another trick that was deployed on him. The Driver identified as Mu Man Chester cited in a reaction noting that someone conned him in a similar way.
“There’s someone who did that to me. They requested a ride from Two Rivers Mall to Nairobi West Hospital to pick up medicine. They even gave me a number, claiming it was for the doctor there. When I arrived, I called the doctor and was told that the medicine had not been fully paid for,” Mu Man Chester narrated.
Furthermore, he proceeded to explain, “I was asked to request the person with the individual who sent me the medicine to send Ksh 5,600 so they could deliver the medicine to the gate. I called the individual, who replied, “I only have cash, no Mpesa. If you have it, send it and they will bring the medicine to the gate. When you arrive, I will give you all of it.”
However, he insisted on being given a till number to pay, to no avail, thus, he discovered that it was a plot aimed at scamming him.
Also Read: Uber to Pay £615million in Tax Settlement Deal
Uber Services
In addition to helping riders get from point A to point B, Uber also makes it easy and affordable to order food, removes barriers to healthcare access, offers innovative freight-booking solutions, and streamlines employee travel for businesses—all while providing drivers and couriers with earning opportunities.
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