From Rideshare App to ATM
A LOT ‘RIDING’ ON UBER
Uber Package (also known as Uber Connect and Uber Courier) launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as a contactless way to send packages quickly.1 While designed for convenience and safety, fraudsters have exploited the service to transport stolen checks. This report highlights how criminals abuse the platform and the risks it poses for unsuspecting drivers.
THE SERVICE
The service uses the Uber app, where individuals can send packages locally, usually for pickup and delivery within an hour.2 The service aims for convenience because it removes the hassle of going to a post office or waiting days for shipping. This option is currently available in twenty-five cities3 across the United States. In addition, Uber maintains a list of Prohibited Items4 forbidden from transport, including any illicit goods. However, chatter on underground Telegram channels suggests that fraudsters leverage Uber Package as a convenient way to transport illicit materials.
FROM BACKSEAT TO BANK FRAUD
Fraudsters appear to be leveraging Uber Package as an option to exchange stolen checks with other local fraudsters. Vendors either selling stolen checks or offering check alteration services, known on the underground as “labs” or “kitchens”, appear to offer this as a delivery option. One fraudster even commented using Uber Package for their own safety with new associates. Unknowingly, many rideshare drivers may be transporting illicit goods, including stolen checks. Because checks are small, lightweight, and inconspicuous, they can easily go unnoticed during transport.
Underground discussions on transporting fraudulent checks with Uber Package.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Fraudsters may be able to identify, connect, and collaborate with other local fraudsters abusing Uber Package.
- For rideshare drivers, if you suspect you are being asked to transport a prohibited item, Uber encourages reporting suspicious pickups and deliveries that may be involved in illicit activity.5
- Financial institutions and local law enforcement should be aware this method of transportation is being utilized and may identify other potential fraudsters in the area.
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Read More1https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-launches-courier-coronavirus-2020-4#:~:text=Uber%20Launches%20Courier%20Service%20During,Tech
2https://www.uber.com/en-US/blog/uber-connect-ondemand-package-delivery/
3https://www.uber.com/en-US/blog/uber-connect-ondemand-package-delivery/
4https://help.uber.com/en/riders/article/items-prohibited-from-package-delivery?nodeId=34cf025c-96bd-4aeb-a0a9-c8505f35b215
5https://help.uber.com/en/driving-and-delivering/article/report-a-suspicious-package?nodeId=b8aabf7a-145f-4eda-adbf-c8fbb40266cf
About the Author(s)
Maria Noriega is the Intelligence Products Manager at Q6 Cyber and focuses on financial cybercrime trends.
Tra’Donn Glover is an E-Crime Intelligence Analyst I. Tra’Donn has B.S. in Criminal Justice from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University.