Warning over ‘fake Ubers’ on Mornington Peninsula

Revellers are being warned not to ride with the ‘fake Ubers’.

At least a dozen drivers were seen offering rides outside Hotel Sorrento on Saturday, January 14, about 11pm.

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One man, driving a BMW, offered to drive four people home with stops in Mt Martha and Mt Eliza for $200 cash.

Another man, who was stationed outside the Continental Hotel, agreed to transport three revellers for $150 cash with the journey including a pizza stop on the way to a Rye property and then on to Mt Martha.

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Neither driver was registered with ride-sharing service Uber.

Senior-Sergeant Miro Majstorovic of the Mornington Peninsula crime investigation unit said the practice was risky for passengers.

“A lot can go wrong and there’s not much police can do after the event,” he said. “There is no regulatory body to help police investigate or cameras in vehicles to record any problems.

“It’s a big risk getting into a car with a stranger and trusting them to get you home safely.”

Sorrento was especially busy on that Saturday night, with thousands of people spilling into the town after the Portsea Polo.

An Uber spokesman said the service had a dedicated safe wait zone outside the polo at Pt Nepean National Park and pick-ups from other areas had to be arranged via the Uber app.

He urged people to ensure they were travelling with an official Uber driver.

“It’s important riders make sure they’re in the right car before starting a trip with Uber,” he said.

“They can do this by checking the make, model and licence plate of the car match the details in the app, and by asking the driver to confirm their first name.”

All uberX driver-partners in Victoria are required to undergo a driver history, criminal background and vehicle check, before they get the Uber driver app.

Taxi Service Commission acting chief executive Adam Ockwell said people caught operating a vehicle for hire and reward without appropriate accreditation risked a fine of up to $1866.

“Accredited drivers are subject to police, medical and driver history checks, which makes travelling with them a safer option,” Mr Ockwell said.

He said information about suspected illegal activities could be reported to the commission via the website at taxi.vic.gov.au