TAMPA — Once again, Hillsborough County detectives are looking for help from Uber in solving a scam that bilked big money ― in one case, $700,000 — from elderly grandparents.
In the latest con, a 75-year-old North Tampa man was contacted by someone claiming to be an attorney representing his granddaughter who was in legal trouble, according to court records.
In a scenario familiar to investigators called the “grandparent scam,” the man was convinced to withdraw $10,000 on May 11 to bail the granddaughter out of jail. He originally was instructed to go to a bail bonds business, but then was told someone would come for the money via Uber. A silver Toyota with an Uber plate on the front dashboard picked up the cash, according to a search warrant.
Uber confirmed a trip to the man’s address, according to court records. The search warrant, signed by a Hillsborough judge, seeks further information about who purchased the ride and where the money traveled.
“Uber strictly prohibits the use of the Uber app to commit crimes and regularly works with law enforcement to assist with investigations,” said an Uber spokeswoman via email to the Tampa Bay Times. “We have been working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff on this case in accordance with our Law Enforcement Guidelines.”
According to those guidelines, Uber maintains user data as described in its privacy notice and terms of use provided to customers, and discloses user data to law enforcement “in accordance with…
