Uber driver killed during scam
By Greg Collier
In the Columbus, Ohio, vicinity, a recent scam turned deadly for one victim, while another is now behind bars. Meanwhile, the perpetrators remain at large.
The incident began with what appeared to be a grandparent scam. A group of scammers targeted an 81-year-old man, claiming that a relative was in jail and in need of bail money. Simultaneously, they arranged for an Uber to collect the demanded funds from the man’s residence.
Utilizing Uber drivers as unwitting accomplices is not a novel strategy among scammers. On multiple occasions, we’ve witnessed rideshare drivers unknowingly entangled in such schemes. When this trend initially emerged, there were warnings of potentially dire consequences for rideshare drivers. Tragically, those warnings seem to have materialized.
Upon the 61-year-old woman, who served as the Uber driver, arriving at the man’s home, she inquired about a package she was supposed to retrieve. Allegedly, the man suspected her involvement in the scam and initially held her at gunpoint.
Reportedly, the man confiscated the Uber driver’s phone while demanding information about the scammers. When the driver attempted to depart in her vehicle, the man opened fire, resulting in her being shot. A struggle ensued, during which the man fired two more shots at the driver. It wasn’t until after the shooting ceased that the man decided to contact 911.
Subsequently, the man faces murder charges, with dashcam footage revealing that the driver posed no immediate threat.
If you receive a call from scammers demanding money, it’s crucial not to handle the situation yourself. Instead, promptly contact the police. They possess the expertise and training to manage these situations more effectively.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in scams and the unforeseen consequences they can unleash. It underscores the need for vigilance and caution, not only among potential victims but also within our communities as a whole. As we mourn the loss of life and contemplate the implications of this heartbreaking incident, let us also strive to raise awareness and foster a sense of solidarity in combating such criminal endeavors.
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