Uber driver fraud leads to proposed California state legislation seeking protection from identity theft

CBS News California Investigates Uber driver fraud leads to proposed California state legislation seeking protection from identity theft .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-cbs-news-losangeles.jpg'); } By Kristine Lazar Kristine Lazar Kristine Lazar is an Emmy award-winning consumer investigative reporter for CBS LA. Read Full Bio Kristine Lazar Updated on: April 17, 2026 / 10:57 AM PDT / CBS LA Add CBS News on Google Proposed state legislation and class action lawsuits have taken shape recently in light of Uber driver fraud and concerns of rider safety. CBS News California Investigates has uncovered a growing number of cases of Uber drivers who have used stolen identities to get hired with the company, suggesting there are hundreds, maybe more, drivers who aren't who they say they are.  "Apparently, you never know who's picking you up," the wife of a victim of employment fraud said, after her husband's identity was stolen by someone who then used it to get a job at Uber.He's not alone. In an earlier investigation, CBS News California Investigates discovered a number of people who got a 10-99 tax form in the mail from Uber, even though they had never driven for the ride-share company. Federal Trade Commission data shows the agency has received nearly 400 complaints about Uber identity theft fraud, dating back to 2021, from victims all over the country. Many of them are saying things like, "I have never worked for Uber in my life." They reported impostors, who could be driving for Uber right now, used their full name, social security number and address."I was unaware of this issue until we learned about your reporting, so we are reaching out to the company because we believe this needs to be addressed," State Senator Josh Becker said. The senator has authored two recent laws that seek to protect Californians from identity theft. The senator said businesses like Uber need to do more to protect consumers. "Especial...