Help! I Think My Uber Account Was Hacked – What Should I Do?
Finding out your Uber account has been compromised can be very distressing. But don‘t panic – there are steps you can take right away to secure your account and minimize the damage. As a cybersecurity expert with over 10 years specializing in cloud data protection, I‘m here to walk you through exactly what to do if you suspect your Uber account has been hacked.
The first critical steps are to change your Uber password immediately and report the issue to Uber. You‘ll also want to check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges. I‘ll provide details on how to complete each of these steps.
We‘ll also cover how to spot signs that your Uber account may be compromised, even if you still have access. Things like mystery trips, calls from unknown drivers, or account changes you don‘t recognize can all point to your account being in the wrong hands.
If you find yourself completely locked out of your hacked Uber account, don‘t worry – I‘ll explain exactly how to contact Uber to prove your identity and regain control. The process is straightforward using Uber‘s online forms.
To help prevent your Uber account from getting hacked again in the future, we‘ll go over essential tips every Uber user should follow. These include choosing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, being wary of suspicious emails and texts, keeping your devices updated, and using reliable antivirus software.
On that note, I‘ll share my expert recommendations for the best antivirus solutions to protect you against the most prevalent threats, based on objective test results. My top picks are Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, and TotalAV.
Finally, I‘ll address some common questions and concerns, like whether it‘s safe to store your credit card in your Uber account. (Spoiler alert: yes it is – but I‘ll explain why in more detail.)
My goal is for you to come away from this article feeling empowered to handle an Uber account hack with confidence. You‘ll know the exact steps to take to secure your account, understand how to protect yourself going forward, and have some peace of mind about your sensitive info. Let‘s jump in!
Your Uber Account Was Hacked – Do This Immediately
If you have reason to believe your Uber account has been compromised, acting quickly is critical to minimizing the fallout. Here are the steps you need to take right away:
- Change your Uber password
Don‘t wait – changing your password should be the very first thing you do if you suspect your account is no longer secure. Make sure to choose a brand new, strong password. I‘ll provide tips for generating secure passwords later in this article.
Here‘s how to reset your Uber password:
- Open the Uber app and tap "Menu"
- Go to "Settings" then "Security"
- Tap "Change password"
- Enter your current password, then your new password twice
- Tap "Save" to confirm the password change
If you‘re unable to change your password because you‘ve been locked out of your account, jump down to the next section for instructions on how to contact Uber for help.
- Contact Uber support to report the issue
You need to notify Uber about your account being compromised as soon as possible. The easiest way is to use one of Uber‘s dedicated online forms:
For riders/passengers: I think my account has been hacked
For drivers: I think my account has been hacked
Fill out the form with your account details and a description of the suspicious activity. Upload screenshots if you have them. Uber will investigate and take appropriate action, such as refunding fraudulent trip charges.
- Check your ride history for unauthorized trips
Look through your recent trips in the Uber app or on the website. If you see any rides you don‘t recognize, make a note of the details (date, time, pickup/dropoff locations, cost) to report to Uber.
Don‘t forget to check your linked accounts like Family Profiles or Business Profiles as well. Hackers could be using your payment method to take trips on other people‘s accounts.
- Review your payment methods for fraudulent charges
In addition to rides, check your bank statements, credit card bills, and any other payment methods linked to your Uber account. Look for charges you don‘t recognize not just from Uber but other merchants as well.
Notify your bank or credit card company immediately if you identify fraudulent charges. They can help you dispute the charges and replace any compromised cards. Always keep an eye out for identity theft after an account hack.
- Change passwords on any other accounts using the same credentials
Did you use the same email and password combo for your Uber account as other accounts? If so, change those passwords right away too.
Once hackers have one set of credentials, they often try them on other websites to see what else they can access. Don‘t make it easy for them! Choose unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts.
What to Do If You‘re Locked Out of Your Hacked Uber Account
Sometimes hackers change your account password, locking you out entirely. Or Uber may have proactively disabled your account after detecting suspicious activity that violates their terms of service.
Don‘t worry if you can‘t sign in – you can still contact Uber to verify your identity and restore your account access. Here‘s how:
For riders/passengers:
- Go to I can‘t sign in to my account and click "Contact support" at the bottom of the page
- Fill out the form with your details
- Click "Submit" to notify Uber about your issue
For drivers:
- Go to I have another account issue
- Select "I can‘t sign in"
- Fill out the form with your details and a description of the issue
- Click "Submit" to notify Uber
Uber‘s support team will reach out with next steps to authenticate your identity and help you regain access to your account. Be prepared to provide documentation to prove you are the account owner.
Signs Your Uber Account May Be Compromised
Sometimes there are red flags that your Uber account has been hacked even if you can still sign in. Keep an eye out for:
- Completed rides you don‘t remember taking showing up in your history
- Unexplained changes in your account like a different phone number or email address
- Messages or calls from Uber drivers about rides you didn‘t request
- Being prompted to re-enter your credit card details on the Uber app
- Receiving password reset emails you didn‘t initiate
- Getting signed out of the app unexpectedly
- Seeing charges on your bank statement for things like Uber Cash that you didn‘t buy
If you notice any of these warning signs, change your password immediately and report the activity to Uber. Continue to monitor your account and payment methods closely.
Essential Tips to Protect Your Uber Account from Hackers
Practicing good cyber hygiene is critical to keeping your Uber account safe from hackers. Some key tips:
- Use unique, strong passwords
Your Uber password should be a complex combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Aim for at least 12 characters. Avoid dictionary words, names, or anything personally identifiable.
Most importantly, don‘t reuse passwords across accounts! I recommend using a password manager to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords securely.
- Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. It requires a code from your authenticator app or a text message in addition to your password when you sign in.
To turn on 2FA:
- Open the Uber app and tap "Menu"
- Go to "Settings" and then "Security"
- Select "2-step verification" and toggle it on
- Follow the prompts to set up your second verification method
I strongly recommend using an authenticator app rather than SMS. Authenticator apps are more secure since the codes are generated on your device rather than transmitted.
- Be cautious of suspicious messages
Phishing attacks are one of the most common tactics for hacking Uber accounts. Scammers send emails or text messages posing as Uber, asking you to click a link and sign in to your account.
The link leads to a fake sign-in page designed to steal your username and password. Never click on links from unsolicited messages! Always navigate directly to the Uber website or app to sign in.
Uber has a handy guide with examples of what legitimate Uber communications look like vs phishing attempts.
- Keep software updated
Install updates for your operating system, web browser, and apps (including the Uber app) as soon as they‘re available. Updates often contain critical security patches for vulnerabilities hackers can exploit.
Turn on automatic updates to ensure you have the latest protections without having to remember to check manually.
- Use antivirus software
High-quality antivirus software can help block malware, phishing sites, and other threats that put your Uber account at risk. Look for a comprehensive internet security suite that offers real-time scanning, web protection, firewalls, and other defenses.
Some of the top-rated options based on rigorous testing include:
- Bitdefender: Best for blocking phishing attempts and other online scams
- Norton: Best for comprehensive malware protection
- McAfee: Best for protecting multiple devices
- TotalAV: Best for ease of use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to store my credit card information in my Uber account?
Yes, it is secure to save your credit card details in the Uber app for a more seamless payment experience. Uber encrypts your personal information both in transit and at rest on their servers. No one, not even Uber employees, can see your full card number.
If your Uber account is hacked, scammers wouldn‘t be able to access your actual credit card details. At most, they could use your account to pay for unauthorized rides.
What are the most common ways Uber accounts get hacked?
The most prevalent tactics hackers use to compromise Uber accounts are:
- Credential stuffing: Attackers use username/password combos obtained from data breaches to try to log into Uber accounts. Always use unique passwords!
- Phishing: Scammers send fake emails or texts posing as Uber to trick you into entering your login details on fraudulent sites. Be wary of unsolicited messages.
- Malware: Malicious software installed on your device can record your Uber login details as you enter them. Using antivirus software helps protect against malware.
How quickly will Uber refund me for fraudulent charges?
If you report unauthorized charges due to your Uber account being hacked, the company will investigate and process any applicable refunds. Exact timing can vary, but Uber strives to resolve cases within 1-2 billing cycles.
I‘m an Uber driver and my account was hacked. Will my rating be affected?
Uber understands that fraudulent activity is outside of your control. The company will do their best to remove any negative ratings, messages, or other consequences stemming from your account being compromised. Make sure to report the details to Uber.
The Bottom Line on Uber Account Hacks
Having your Uber account hacked can be scary, but you‘re not helpless. Knowing the proper steps to take can help you regain control quickly:
Change your password, report the fraudulent activity to Uber, check for unauthorized charges, and follow up with your bank if needed. If you‘re locked out, use Uber‘s support forms to verify your identity.
Adopting strong security habits like using unique passwords, enabling 2FA, being cautious of phishing attempts, keeping software updated, and using antivirus protection can help prevent Uber account hacks in the future.
Remember, you‘re not alone – Uber is there to help if your account is compromised. Following the advice laid out in this article will go a long way towards giving you peace of mind when using Uber going forward.
Stay safe out there!