DoorDash scams every Dasher should be aware of!

With the development of food delivery platforms such as DoorDash, the number of scammers seeking to cash in on the delivery drivers is also increasing. Delivery drivers on electric bicycles are becoming especially vulnerable due to the pace of work, frequent stops, and high involvement in orders.

Unfortunately, fraud can lurk not only during registration but also during the execution of a real order: fake customers, fake support numbers, fake bonuses, and even applications that steal data. All this can cost the delivery rider not only money but also equipment, time, and account access.

Scammers are becoming more creative: they imitate application interfaces, call from fake DoorDash numbers, and create fake offers of "bonuses for e-bike deliverers."

Furthermore, scammers are particularly effective during times of urgency, such as when you are placing an order or handling multiple deliveries simultaneously. If you lose focus for a moment, you could lose your bike or account.

Why it is especially important for electric bike delivery companies

• Delivery riders on e-bikes are often on the move and check notifications on the go, making them an ideal target.
• Losing access to your account or income can seriously affect your budget.
• Some deception schemes may include fake addresses or even theft of an electric bike.
• Fraud can occur right during the execution of an order, when the delivery rider's attention is distracted.
• E-bike delivery riders often work alone and do not have time to check with official sources, which makes them more vulnerable.
• An electric bike as an asset can also be a target — fraudsters can use distractions to steal a bike while the delivery rider is busy ordering.
• Newbies in delivery are more likely to become victims, especially when trying to "optimize" their work through third-party applications.

9 DoorDash scams you should be aware of

1. Phishing SMS and emails

You receive messages alerting you to issues related to payment or delivery. They often come during a shift when it's difficult to verify the source. Examples of such messages may contain the DoorDash logo and a link to a fake website.

2. Fake calls from "support"

The attackers introduce themselves as DoorDash and ask for confirmation codes. They can disguise themselves as real DoorDash numbers using ID substitution technologies.

3. Account hacking

This happens after a login/password is accidentally transmitted through a fake form or application. Thereafter, the attackers can change your payment details and transfer your income to another account.

4. Payment Fraud on Delivery (COD)

Cash-paid orders are rare. They are often associated with attempts to trick the delivery rider for money or force him to pay for the order himself. There are cases when, under the guise of a customer, a fraudster receives an order and disappears.

5. Fake bonuses and jobs for e-bike delivery rider

Advertisements promising "free gear" or "increased payouts" direct users to phishing sites. Occasionally such ads appear even in the ad blocks of social networks.

6. Excessively generous tips are referred to as tip baiting

An order that has been overtipped often leads to a questionable situation. It often ends with the cancellation of tips or even a decoy order. This procedure may be a way to lure the delivery rider to a secluded location.

7. Fake support numbers (via Google)

When searching for "DoorDash support," you may come across fake numbers that lead to fraudsters. They often request a card number or account details.

8. Fake apps and navigators for e-bikes

Apps that promise to optimize the route or speed up delivery actually steal login information. Occasionally such programs disguise themselves as useful order trackers.

9. Links with bonuses and referral codes

Get-a-FreeBattery traps that lead to data collection pages. Some of them are very believable.

How many cheating schemes are there?

There is no exact number — the attackers are constantly adapting and coming up with new ways. Some of them might target specific cities and regions.

These are the most common currently and the most dangerous for e-bike delivery riders.

E-bike delivery riders are more likely to encounter mobile device fraud due to their constant interaction with the phone while on the move.

Schemes often develop in waves: one type of fraud pops up and disappears after a couple of months, giving way to a new one.

Sometimes scammers create entire fake brand websites and social media pages to extort information or money from gullible delivery riders.

Read also: Best mileage tracker for DoorDash

10 tips on how to protect yourself as a Dasher

1. Never reply to SMS or email while driving. It's better to stop and check the sender carefully.
2. Use only the official DoorDash app and website. Avoid third-party apps.
3. Enable two-factor authentication in your account.
4. Do not carry cash with you and refuse questionable COD orders, especially if the client insists on meeting in an unusual place.
5. Always fasten your bike, even if you leave for 1 minute, especially in crowded places.
6. Report suspicious orders or calls through DoorDash support. This method helps to prevent fraud in the future.
7. Use the phone holder and headset to avoid distractions during the trip.
8. Please share your experience with fellow delivery riders, as this will assist in recognizing the threat more quickly.
9. Set up spam and suspicious call filtering on your phone to avoid accidental responses to fake numbers.
10. Regularly check the login history for your DoorDash account. If you happen to notice any unusual activity, please update your password promptly.

Conclusion

E-bike delivery is convenient, fast, and efficient. But at the same time, the risk of encountering scammers increases. A clear understanding of cheating schemes and basic precautions will help save not only your earnings but also your equipment.

Attentiveness, regular information verification, and communication with other delivery riders are the key to safety. The higher the level of awareness in the community, the more difficult it is for scammers to find new victims.

If you encounter an attempted fraud, don't be silent. Please report this to support and inform your colleagues. Maybe it will save someone's earnings or a bike.

Tell your colleagues and friends about what you've read — awareness makes our community stronger and safer.

And remember: it's better to double-check the order once than to deal with the consequences later. Your security and income are in your hands.

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