Uber Faces Mounting Claims of Identity Theft Using Fake Accounts

Alleged victims say stolen identities are being used to create fraudulent Uber driver accounts, raising public safety concerns.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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An investigation by CBS News California Investigates has uncovered mounting allegations that stolen identities are being used to create fraudulent Uber driver accounts, raising questions about passenger safety and the company's driver verification process. Several people across the country have reported receiving tax forms showing income from Uber, despite never signing up to drive for the company. Consumer advocates and alleged victims say hundreds of Uber driver accounts may have been created using stolen identities to bypass the company's background checks.

Why it matters

These cases represent a potential public safety issue, as passengers may be getting rides from individuals who have not undergone Uber's background checks. The growing number of reported incidents also raises concerns about the integrity of Uber's platform and the company's ability to properly screen drivers.

The details

Many victims say they discovered the problem only after receiving IRS Form 1099 documents listing earnings from Uber, despite never having driven for the company. Alleged victims have reported receiving 1099 forms showing thousands of dollars in Uber earnings, even though they have never signed up to be drivers. Victims have tried to report the fraud to Uber, but say they have been unable to get a response from the company.

  • In 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Uber alleging the company failed to properly screen drivers.
  • In February 2026, CBS News California Investigates reached out to Uber for an interview and asked what the company is doing to ensure drivers are who they claim to be.

The players

Uber

A ride-hailing company that has more than 800,000 drivers in California as of late 2025, according to state data.

Todd Friedman

A consumer rights attorney who filed a class-action lawsuit against Uber in 2024, alleging the company failed to properly screen drivers.

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What they’re saying

“That's a public safety issue. People are getting into cars and receiving food from people that are not necessarily the people that they're supposed to be.”

— Unnamed alleged identity theft victim

“You use Uber knowing that they make claims that all of the Uber drivers are background checked, criminal record checked, and you feel safe using an Uber. But apparently you never know who's picking you up.”

— Anna Kojoyan, Wife of alleged victim

What’s next

Uber says it is thoroughly investigating every report it receives and that when it identifies a fraudulent account, it permanently bans it from the platform and takes corrective action. The company adds that protecting the integrity of its platform and the safety of riders and drivers is its top priority.

The takeaway

These alleged identity theft cases highlight the need for Uber to strengthen its driver verification processes to ensure passenger safety. Consumers may need to be more vigilant about monitoring their personal information and tax records for signs of fraudulent activity related to rideshare services.