My App Earnings Went to Someone Else's Card

Secure your account first, then report the stolen payout inside the app, then file a police report. The app company controls your payouts, so the in-app report is your main claim. A police report backs it up. If the thief is linked to your TLC license or to another licensee, TLC's Driver Protection Unit (DriverProtection@tlc.nyc.gov, (718) 391-5539) handles identity theft and unpaid trips (TLC). Do all of it the same day if you can. Every payout cycle you wait can send another week's pay to the wrong card.

Why this happens

One way it happens: someone pretends to be app support or a rider. They get your login code, sign in as you, and swap the payout debit card for their own. Uber's own warning is that it "will never call, text, or email you to request your password, verification code, or banking details", and that you should never add someone else's card to your account (Uber). The call itself is covered in someone called saying they're Uber support. This page is for after the money is gone.

Recovery checklist

The in-app report is the main claim

The payout went through the app company's system, so it is the company that can trace it, reverse it or refuse. Uber's advice for anything suspicious is to contact it "through the Driver app or at help.uber.com". Don't use a phone number or link someone sent you. Write one clear message with:

• the date and time you noticed;
• each payout that went to the wrong card (date and amount);
• that you did not add that card;
• your police report number, once you have it.

Keep every reply. If the first answer is a template, reply in the same ticket and ask for it to be escalated.

When TLC can help

TLC's Driver Protection Unit investigates complaints including "failure to pay drivers what they earned by providing a trip" and "acts of identity theft" (TLC DPU). TLC's contact page describes it as helping with "financial disputes … arising from white-collar matters involving other licensees or industry affiliates" (Contact TLC). If the app won't fix it, or the person behind it is another driver, send DPU your evidence.

Protect your license, too

If the thief also drove trips on your account, your TLC license is at risk. Rule §80-11(e) says a driver "must not permit any other person to use the Driver's TLC Driver License or Technology System login credentials". The penalty is $10,000 and revocation (Chapter 80). The rule punishes permitting someone. A quick police report and app ticket are the best proof that you didn't. For the license side, see someone is using my TLC license and the 80-11(e) page. Sharing an account on purpose is a different situation, covered in can someone else use my Uber account.

Taxes after a stolen payout

Your year-end tax form from the app may count trips and payouts you never received. Keep the police report, app ticket and payout history with your tax papers. Ask a tax preparer how to handle it. See Form 1099-K for Uber and Lyft drivers. Other tricks aimed at drivers are in scams targeting NYC drivers. More on the safety hub.