Svetlana Milina didn’t expect to become a victim of Lyft vomit fraud on her seven-minute trip across Manhattan. And Peter Leung didn’t see the Lyft vomit scam coming when he caught a ride in suburban Toronto.
But both of these passengers were broadsided by the biggest rideshare problem in recent memory — and this one is disgusting on several levels. As much as it sickens me to do so, it’s time to bring up their cases. Because these troubling ridesharing scams are multiplying at an alarming rate.
What is the vomit scam?
The rideshare vomit scam is a fraudulent damage claim filed against a passenger after taking a rideshare. Both Lyft and Uber allow drivers to send a claim for damages caused to their cars by passengers. The ridesharing platforms then pass the charges on to the customer by automatically charging their credit card on file. Vomit fraud usually involves a significant charge — anywhere from $80 to $150.
It’s called the vomit scam because drivers frequently claim their passengers have thrown up in the back of the car. Passengers often say drivers are faking the evidence of their emesis to earn a few extra dollars.
How seven minutes in a Lyft costs $80
Consider Milina’s case. She recently took a seven-minute ride on a Lyft in New York City.
“Shortly afterward, I received a text and email that there was damage to the car and my credit card would be charged $80,” she remembers.
Lyft refused to furnish her with any evidence of the damage caused by…
