Woman Shares Uber Safety Tips After Surviving a Possible Trafficking Incident

A woman’s Uber ride turned into a tense safety scare after she says a stranger tried to act like her driver before the real car arrived. The moment was unsettling enough to send her straight to Twitter, where she shared what happened and why checking the details matters. That small act made the whole encounter feel a lot more suspicious, especially because she had not yet confirmed the license plate or driver information.

Her story quickly became a reminder that a routine pickup can still go sideways fast. Read on.

No matter where you are, when you are alone, you need to stay vigilant about your surroundings, especially if you are in a taxi.

Ciara Johnson, a solo travel blogger, shared an incident on Twitter that happened to her—an experience that could have ended badly if she had not been so observant.

She was waiting for her Uber when a car pulled up in front of her. The driver got out of the car and threw her suitcase in the trunk, seemingly in a hurry.

Ciara, on the other hand, was waiting to see the license plate because she was confused. She then noticed that the car that pulled up was not the same Uber she had booked.

Carl Mikoy (not the actual photo)

She tweeted a reminder for women to ALWAYS check the license plate before getting inside an Uber.

@hey_ciara

Fortunately, Ciara's actual Uber finally arrived, confirming that the driver who threw her luggage in probably had wicked intentions.

@hey_ciara

He knew he was not booked, yet he threw her suitcase in as if he were her Uber. That seems creepy as hell.

@hey_ciara

It's fortunate that Ciara was able to respond quickly to the contextual clues. However, she did not get the actual license plate.

@hey_ciara

Let this be a reminder to check the plates first!

@hey_ciara

That was the moment the ride stopped feeling routine.

Here are a few tips from Ciara so that you won't end up in the same situation. We may never know what could happen.

@hey_ciara

The bottom line? Be observant, and be vigilant!

@hey_ciara

Good thing her actual Uber driver was nice enough.

@hey_ciara

Another reminder!

@hey_ciara

Be sure to keep this knowledge in hand!

@hey_ciara

Always trust your gut, too.

@hey_ciara

Take a look at what people have to say regarding this issue:

Itjustdawndonme

People in the comments had plenty to say about how quickly a simple pickup can turn uncomfortable.

It also hits close to the friends who left a woman stranded at the airport and forced her to argue for trip costs.

It's always a great idea to carry some form of self-defense, especially when you are out and about.

MRevelle

Go check it out if you didn't know this exists!

hey_ciara

Don't be a pushover, and don't be easily convinced.

itsbaejahjanae

Some people really need to ensure that they are getting into the right car.

sakeem13

It's really creepy if they don't even tell you.

__moonvibes

This can happen to men, too!

ccalexandre__

Make sure that every detail matches up.

418_310

Don't get into a car without confirming that it's the right one first.

wifeynextdoor

People underestimate the importance of attention even nowadays.

Harpowhodis777

Great idea!

cupcakesquirrel

As much as you should keep yourself safe, be on the lookout for others, too.

regulardes

Everyone, male and female, young and old, should learn never to underestimate the power of being observant, especially in situations like this. Even if we think we are in the safest place in the world, we must all remember to be vigilant at all times!

Comment with your thoughts, or share this article with all your family and friends to see!

It was a close call that could have gone very differently.

After that Uber scare, see how this Bali traveler handled a friend bailing at the last minute in “Friend Bailed on Bali Trip: AITA for Going Solo?”.