Viral TikTok Claims Uber Passenger Followed by Identical Vehicle, But Authorities Report No Cases

A viral TikTok video claimed an Uber passenger in São Paulo was followed by a car with identical model, color, and license plate, garnering over 70,000 likes. However, São Paulo's Public Security Department and Uber stated they have no records or evidence of such incidents, indicating this may be a false alarm rather than a confirmed scam.

Incident Overview

A female Uber passenger in São Paulo reported being followed by a car with identical model, color, and license plate. In her viral video, she described how two vehicles arrived simultaneously when she requested a ride, and after boarding the correct vehicle, a second car matching all specifications continued following hers. She noted the following vehicle stopped only after she contacted her boyfriend to inform him of her whereabouts.

Official Response

São Paulo's Public Security Department confirmed through investigation that no official records exist of incidents matching the video's description. Uber also issued a statement confirming they possess no "evidence, images, or data" supporting the existence of such a scam scheme. This response indicates that actual verified cases have not been documented.

Potential Method and Identification Points

If similar situations occur, the following points warrant attention:

Multiple Simultaneous Vehicles: Uber's matching system assigns a single vehicle. Multiple identical vehicles arriving simultaneously would be highly abnormal
Matching License Plates: Two vehicles cannot legally share identical license plates, making this scenario physically impossible
Suspicious Tracking Pattern: The cessation of following after external communication suggests coincidence or misidentification rather than criminal intent

Safety Measures and Best Practices

Utilizing Uber's recommended security features is essential:

U-Code Feature

A four-digit confirmation code shared between driver and passenger
Driver must enter the code in the app before trip starts
Prevents unauthorized vehicle boarding after matching

Route Sharing

Share live location with family or trusted contacts in real-time
Displays estimated arrival time simultaneously
Enables external verification if suspicious activity occurs

Additional Recommendations

Verify vehicle type, color, and license plate before boarding
Refuse to board if uncomfortable
Immediately contact a trusted person upon detecting abnormal situations

Reporting Channels

For suspicious ride experiences:

Use the report function within the Uber app
Contact São Paulo Police (190)
Preserve video or photographic evidence for submission