Uber Say My Name Scam: What to Know

Brandon Way - March 7, 2025

The Uber “Say My Name” scam is one of the newest scams around, and it can be difficult to avoid this scam unless you know what to look out for. Unfortunately, falling for this scam as an Uber driver can be dangerous, and it’s important to be aware of the potential for scams and suspicious passengers when driving for Uber. 

Our article tells you more about the Uber “Say My Name” scam and how to identify it.

Uber and Scams: What to Be Aware Of

While Uber is one of the most popular rideshare apps around today, it can still be a platform for scammers to try and trick the system or steal free rides from drivers. It can also be difficult for passengers to use in the case of suspicious drivers or drivers who attempt to get passengers to interact with them outside of the Uber app.

As with anything, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, take proper safety measures, and be able to identify the signs of a scam or signs of potential danger. Uber does offer a method for passengers to alert for help in the app, but it is equally as important for passengers and drivers to be aware of what is happening around them and how another person near them might be acting.

What Is the Uber Say My Name Scam?

The Uber Say My Name scam is a scam that involves scammers waiting in areas where an Uber might come along to pick up a rider. The scammer will walk up to an Uber that arrives or flag down a vehicle that is clearly marked as an Uber and about to stop.

The scammer will approach the vehicle and ask the driver to “say my name” or something similar. The driver will state the passenger’s name, as they have this information in the Uber app, and the scammer will lie and confirm that it is their name.

The scammer will then take this opportunity to get into the car and they will direct the driver to a location that is different from the one on the app; this location does not apply to them, as they are not the correct passenger.

Once the driver compiles and drops the scammer off at their location, they may look back at the app to see that the original passenger contacted them wondering where they are and that their original ride was canceled and reassigned to another driver. 

The driver will not get paid, not even a cancelation fee, as they were the ones who did not show up for the passenger’s ride, even though they thought they had the correct passenger. This can severely impact the driver’s earnings, and it can be bothersome for the passenger whose ride never showed up.

Signs that an Uber “Say My Name” Scam Is Taking Place

One of the biggest signs that an Uber “Say My Name” scam is taking place is a potential passenger approaching your car and asking that you say their name. Once you say their name, they will automatically agree with you and get in the car. The better thing to do is to ask the passenger to state their name to you, and then you can confirm this information with the passenger details in the app before letting the passenger into your car.

Another serious sign that you are dealing with a scammer is when the passenger gets into the car and asks you to take them to an alternate destination. Not only can this indicate a “Say My Name” scam, but it could also indicate that the scammer is trying to trick you into driving to an unsafe location to commit a crime against you.

If a passenger is aggressive, angry, or insistent in getting in your vehicle, it is a good sign that they have an ulterior motive.

How Can I Avoid an Uber “Say My Name” Scam?

There are a few steps to avoid an Uber “Say My Name” scam. If you drive for Uber or regularly use this app, you can keep the following tips in mind to avoid this scam:

• Always ask the passenger their name before you let them into your vehicle, and confirm this detail with the information in the app
• Keep your car doors locked, and do not give a passenger access before confirming their information
• Never go to a location that the passenger requests that is not part of the trip you have listed on the Uber app; you won’t be paid for it, and it might be dangerous
• Never let someone in your vehicle that is threatening you, or demanding that you state their name before they get in
• Follow all safety precautions that Uber recommends for drivers

If you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer or a potentially dangerous passenger, do not hesitate to drive away and report the incident to Uber as soon as you are in a safe area.

Does Uber Provide Cancelation Fees for “Say My Name” Scams?

Uber does not provide cancelation fees or any protections for “Say My Name” scams, which is part of what makes this scam so insidious and unfortunate for both the driver and the correct passenger. Once the driver completes a ride, the scammer will exit the vehicle at their desired location. Meanwhile, the correct passenger will be wondering why their driver never came, and the ride will have been given to a different driver.

The driver who accidentally took the scammer will not be given a cancelation fee, as the correct passenger did not cancel; it was the driver who failed to show up for the ride. This means that the driver suffers the most from this scam, and the correct passenger ends up needing to find a different driver.

What Safety Precautions Are Recommended By Uber?

Uber is aware of the “Say My Name” scam, and the company recommends that both drivers and passengers take steps to protect their personal safety while using the app. Uber states that drivers should ask passengers their names directly, and they should not let passengers into their vehicles without this information.

If a passenger cannot state their name or tries to force their way into the vehicle, the driver should be protecting themselves and trying to escape the situation.

Can I Call the Police During an Uber “Say My Name” Scam?

It is possible to call the police during an Uber “Say My Name” scam, though you should keep in mind that actively calling the police while driving a fake passenger around could potentially put you in danger. You may want to utilize an app that alerts emergency services with the touch of a button or send your location and an SOS message to a loved one in order to get the emergency services you need.

If you suspect that the passenger you are driving is a scammer, it is sometimes best to simply take them to the destination they want to go to and ensure they are removed from the car before you contact the police or get yourself to a safe area.

Protecting Yourself While Using Uber

Uber may be one of the most popular rideshare apps today, but that doesn’t mean this app is without risks. The Uber “Say My Name” scam is a popular way for scammers to get free rides, and it can be dangerous to drivers who accidentally engage or confront a scammer trying to take advantage of them. 

If you are using the Uber app, regardless of whether you are a driver or a passenger, it’s important to be aware of proper safety precautions and be observant of your surroundings. If you feel something is amiss, don’t hesitate to take the proper steps to protect your safety while using Uber. While you can run a people search on individuals that you think are taking advantage of others, it’s difficult to accomplish this in the heat of the moment. Stay vigilant and stay safe.