Uber Fights Back Against Bad Ratings Scams for Refunds

Uber is taking steps to address the issue of customers providing negative ratings to drivers to secure a refund. The San Francisco-based company is implementing a new system designed to identify customers making false claims.

As part of this initiative, Uber is expanding its review center to provide more detailed information about the reasons for deactivating an account. Additionally, drivers will have the option to request a review of the decision by submitting audio or video recordings.

In a press release, Uber emphasized its commitment to promoting safety for all users but acknowledged that some individuals may make false accusations, often with the motive of obtaining a refund from the company. Uber clarified that it will exclude low ratings beyond drivers' control, such as traffic issues.

The company highlighted the need to balance maintaining access to the app and ensuring safety and a high-quality user experience. Uber is specifically addressing the challenge of false accusations that can impact a driver's ability to earn income.

Separately, Uber is offering a solution for drivers accused of drug-impaired driving. Through a nationwide partnership with LabCorp, drivers will have the option to undergo a drug test, with Uber covering the associated costs, regardless of the test outcome. Uber reiterated its strict policy against drug and alcohol use while driving. They acknowledged that mistaken reports of impairment can affect drivers. Uber cited an example stating that "in states where marijuana use is legal, a lingering odor in the car from a previous rider may prompt a false allegation against a driver."

Uber's Safety Report for 2019-2020, which spans 78 pages, asserts that 99.9% of all Uber rides transpire without incident. However, the report also acknowledges the handling of 3,824 cases of severe sexual assault and misconduct in the U.S. It notes that these incidents included 20 fatalities resulting from assaults.

Occasionally, we may forget something in the house, at an establishment, or maybe in your ride share. Uber released their seventh annual Uber Lost & Found Index. It shows which items riders leave behind the most often.

"As we head into another busy summer of travel, and hang on tight while Mercury makes its way back into Retrograde (which astrologists say influences forgetfulness), we're back with the seventh annual Uber Lost & Found Index," stated in a new release.

If you're the type to lose stuff, you might want to be extra careful on weekends. In the U.S., some of the most forgetful days of the week are Saturday and Sunday. Keep your guard up in April: April 5 and April 9 are the most forgetful days of the year. Coming in at third is New Year's Day. And the most common time of the day to report lost items is 11:00 p.m.

Certain lost items that peak on certain days. People are more likely to forget chargers on Mondays, passports on Saturdays, or  groceries on Sundays.

Uber highlighted the most forgotten items, the most unique lost items, and the most forgetful cities. Their data also provides a snapshot of which times of day and days of the week riders forgot items the most.

They explained that the most forgotten items include clothing, phones, backpacks, wallets, headphones, jewelry, keys, books, laptops, and watches.

When it comes to their most forgetful cities, Jacksonville, Florida is at the top of the list. Followed by San Antonio, Texas, and Palm Springs, California. Out of their top ten most forgetful cities, Florida is the only state with two cities listed which include Jacksonville (#1) and Miami (#6).

Those featured among the most unique things left in Ubers include a Danny DeVito Christmas ornament, a fog machine, an ankle monitor, small stone-carved whales, Britney Spears fantasy perfume, two fingernails, two pet turtles, a bidet, and others.

Take a look at the full 2023 Uber Lost & Found Index here.