Beware of Uber drivers trying to defraud passengers

Ride from MIA to Miami Beach turns out to be $154.39 over cleaning fee

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – If a passenger gets sick or makes a mess while riding in an Uber, the driver actually has the right to charge a cleaning fee of up to $150.

Some Uber users say they have been hit with huge fees for messes they didn't make. They have reported the incidents as Uber drivers' abuse of the policy. 

Lymari Veloz said an Uber ride from Miami International Airport to her home in Miami Beach June 15 turned out to be $154.39. It was supposed to be $14.

"At this point, I don't trust Uber at all," Veloz said.

After Veloz contacted an Uber representative through the app, she learned the driver, Jose Rincones, reported she had left a mess behind. He attached photos of vomit covering the inside of a car. 

Rincones said sometimes passengers can be a mess.  

"I have had some situations with vomit, some people pee in my car," Ricones said. 

After several messages, Uber sided with the Rincones and refused to refund Veloz, who had witnesses at her building who saw her come home with her luggage.

"There is a scam out there," Veloz said. "And they're taking advantage, and there's no one to speak to ask questions to."

An Uber representative said the company investigates every incident. Veloz eventually got a full refund and Rincones was suspended from driving for Uber during the investigation.