The Uber Scam You Need to Know About in Mexico City

The Mexico City Uber scam involves drivers leaving trips running after dropping you off, one rider was charged 20 times the original fare (250 pesos became 900 pesos) when the driver kept the trip open for nearly two hours, and 40-60% of CDMX Uber drivers don't own their vehicles (they rent) creating less accountability. To protect yourself: always verify trip completion before walking away (check your phone to confirm driver ended the trip), enable PIN verification in Uber settings (prevents drivers starting rides when not near you), take screenshots of trip details and your exit location, and monitor receipts regularly, if scammed, report through Uber immediately with evidence (Uber One members get dedicated support chat with more authority), dispute with credit card company providing documentation, or delink payment methods if fraud is in progress.

How the Scam Works

The scheme is simple. After dropping you off, the driver doesn't end the trip. Instead, they continue driving, or just leave the app running, while the meter keeps ticking. By the time you check your phone hours later, what should have been a 250-peso ride has ballooned to 900 pesos or more.

Some drivers do this intentionally. Others claim their phone died or they simply forgot. Regardless of the reason, you're the one left with an inflated charge.

Why It Happens

Several factors contribute to this scam:

• Driver turnover: An estimated 40-60% of Uber drivers in Mexico City don't own their vehicles, they rent from someone else. This creates less accountability.
• App vulnerabilities: Uber allows drivers to start trips even when they're not at the pickup location, which opens the door for abuse.
• Distracted passengers: Most people close the app once they exit the car, assuming the trip will end automatically.

How to Protect Yourself

Always Verify Trip Completion

Before walking away from your Uber, check your phone to confirm the driver has ended the trip. If you see the trip is still active after a few minutes, cancel it yourself through the app. Uber will still compensate the driver for the distance actually traveled.

Enable PIN Verification

Uber offers a PIN feature that requires drivers to enter a code before starting your trip. This prevents drivers from starting rides when they're nowhere near you. Go to your Uber settings and enable PIN verification for all trips, not just some.

Take Screenshots

If something seems off, document everything. Screenshot the trip details, your location when you exited, and any communication with the driver. This evidence will help if you need to dispute the charge.

Monitor Your Account

Check your Uber receipts regularly. Scammers count on passengers not reviewing their charges until it's too late.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

Report Through Uber

Contact Uber support immediately. Explain that you weren't in the vehicle during the extended portion of the trip. Include screenshots showing where you actually got out versus where the trip ended. Some users report getting full refunds; others receive only partial reimbursement. Persistence helps, keep escalating if the first response doesn't resolve your issue.

If you have Uber One membership, use the dedicated support chat available in the membership section. These agents often have more authority to resolve disputes quickly.

Dispute with Your Bank

If Uber won't fully refund you, file a dispute with your credit card company. Explain the situation and provide your documentation. Banks often side with customers in cases of clear overcharging, especially when you have evidence.

Some users recommend using American Express for Uber rides specifically because of their strong buyer protection policies.

Delink Payment Methods

One creative solution: if you suspect fraud is in progress (like seeing a delivery driver hasn't completed your order after pickup), immediately remove your payment cards from the app and disable them through your banking app. This leaves the fraudulent charge as an unpaid debt. When Uber contacts you about the balance, you can explain the situation and provide evidence. Some users have had success getting the debt waived entirely using this approach.

Additional Tips for Using Uber Safely in CDMX

• Follow your route: Keep your own map open during rides. Some drivers take longer routes or drive slowly to increase fares.
• Avoid peak hours: Surge pricing and heavy traffic around Centro Histórico make rides more expensive and create more opportunities for fare manipulation.
• Speak up: If a driver is driving unusually slowly, politely mention it. They may be trying to stretch the fare.
• Consider alternatives: Didi and other ride-sharing apps operate in Mexico City and may have better driver accountability in some areas.

The Honest Driver's Perspective

Not all drivers are scammers. One driver admitted to accidentally leaving a trip open and felt so embarrassed that he proactively contacted Uber to have the charge adjusted and the passenger refunded. These honest mistakes do happen, but intentional fraud happens too. Protect yourself either way.

The bottom line: always confirm your trip has ended before walking away from any Uber in Mexico City. Those few seconds of verification can save you from a major headache later.

Related Mexico City Safety Resources

• Mexico City Complete Guide
• Transportation Services in CDMX
• How to Protect Yourself from Pickpockets and Theft
• Add Your Business