PD Searching For Fake Uber Driver Who Picked Up TCU Students
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Christian University (TCU) police are warning students to be on the lookout for a man who is impersonating an Uber driver around the campus. It is a frightening warning for students who depend on the driving service for day-to-day transportation.
"We've used Uber once or twice a day everyday since we've been here," said student Samantha Dejohn. "We just used it to go to Target and back. We never thought about a fake Uber driver."
But police say it was likely a fake Uber driver who approached two women just before 2 a.m. Sunday morning at Berry Street and Greene Avenue. He told the women his fare did not show up and asked if they wanted a ride. Police say the driver, a white or Hispanic man in his mid 20's with shoulder length dark hair, began making indecent comments as they drove in the dark-colored, four-door, late model sedan. When the women demanded he pull over the driver tried to hug one of them as they escaped the car.
"That's terrifying," Dejohn said after hearing the news.
Students call the early morning hours, when bars close and everyone is looking for a ride, an 'Uber surge.'
"During Uber surges when there is not a lot of cars available there will be some cars just parked on the side ready to pick people up," explained student Allie Katz, who often shares Uber rides with Dejohn.
The Uber app shows users the driver and a description of the vehicle. But Dejohn and Katz say during Uber surges they've done the same thing the two women did this past weekend and did not use the app. "He literally parked his car and he came out and said, 'Oh, whoever I came to pick up isn't coming out. Do you guys want to ride?'" Dejohn recalled. "I think we said yeah. Oh God! So scary!"
Here is what Uber says customers need to know for their safety:
"Uber driver partners are prohibited from accepting street hails. All trips must be requested through the app. This is for the safety of the rider and driver since the app includes a number of safety features, including:
Before the Ride Begins
Before the trip, riders can see the driver's first name, photo, license plate number, a picture of the vehicle, and the driver's rating. We encourage riders to double check all these details and make sure they match the driver and car.During the trip
During your trip, riders can share their trip details, including estimated time of arrival and the specific route, with friends and family so they can follow the trip and know when they've arrived safely.After the ride ends
After the ride ends, we ask riders to rate the drivers and provide feedback. Our safety team reviews this information and investigates any issues. Our customer support staff are ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
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