Public Safety Alert NR22383ne

The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting rideshare drivers of a scam being used to steal from bank accounts while “borrowing” the driver’s phone.

On October 24, 2022, the victim, a rideshare driver, responded to the suspect’s request for a ride in the Hollywood area. After the suspect entered the victim’s vehicle, the suspect then claimed he needed to change his ride destination and asked to borrow the victim’s cellular phone. When the suspect obtained the victim’s phone, he accessed the victim’s bank application and transferred money into his own account. The suspect then erased the driver’s bank application, canceled the ride, returned the phone to the victim and exited the vehicle.

On November 28, 2022, a similar crime occurred in the City of El Monte and is currently being investigated by the El Monte Police Department.

The Los Angeles Police Department would like to remind rideshare drivers to always maintain control of their cellular phone and should consider a stranger’s motivation when requesting to use or borrow their cellular phone.

If you have been the victim of a crime, please contact your local police department to file a police report. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-247 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.