What's happening

Scammers are targeting people who use food delivery platforms, including restaurants, customers and delivery workers. They may pretend to be DoorDash, Uber Eats, a restaurant or a customer.

They may contact you about an order, refund, cancellation, account issue or payment problem. They may ask for a one-time code, login details, your mobile number or bank information. They use these details to take over accounts, change payment settings or redirect money. Scammers may claim they can see your order but demand you provide additional details or payment outside the app in order to process it.

Scammers are also targeting delivery workers by gaining access to their accounts and redirecting the money they’ve earned. Delivery workers may receive messages about orders that have been cancelled for being ‘fraudulent’ or a ‘double order’ and ask for the worker’s details to compensate them.

Who's at risk

Restaurants, customers and delivery workers can all be affected. You may be at higher risk if you share one-time codes, respond to account alerts that do not include clear details, or feel pressured to act quickly.

What this may look like

Text message saying 'Ubank: a fraudulent attempt made on card for Uber Eats has been flagged as fraud on your card ending in XX8010 if this was not you reply back NO'

Example of a food delivery scam text message.

Text message from 'Tommy' saying 'Hi S DoorDash support connecting, unfortunately your KFC order/delivery was reported in the system because the person who placed that order used someone else's card to make the payment and that is against the policies of DoorDash. Don't worry about the delivery of this order. I will be deleting this order from your screen so that you can recieve the payment.'

Example of a food delivery scam text message to a delivery worker. 

Warning signs to look out for

  • Unexpected calls or messages about an order, refund, cancellation or account problems.
  • Requests for one-time codes, passwords, login details or bank information.
  • Unexpected password reset emails, login alerts or changes to your account.
  • Pressure to act quickly because something is supposedly urgent or fraudulent.

Protect yourself from food delivery account takeover scams

STOP. Don’t rush. Don’t click links in unexpected messages or share passwords, one-time codes or financial information.

CHECK. Contact the restaurant or delivery platform using the official app or website to check if the message or call is real.

PROTECT. If you shared money or personal information with a scammer, act quickly. Visit Scamwatch to learn what to do if you’ve been scammed.

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