First, always share your ride details with a friend or family member. Check the license plate number of the vehicle when it arrives. Make sure the driver matches the photo on the app. If the driver makes you uncomfortable in any way, don't be afraid to end the ride early. Also, keep your phone charged during the ride in case you need to call for help.
One horror story could be a driver getting into an accident while driving a passenger. Another might be a rider being harassed by the driver. There could also be cases where the vehicle breaks down in a really bad area.
Passengers should document everything. If they have a bad experience during a pat - down, they can take note of the time, the agent's name (if possible), and what exactly happened. This information can be useful if they decide to file a complaint later. Additionally, they can try to stay calm throughout the process. Reacting aggressively might make the situation worse, but firmly stating your rights and concerns is important.
First, always check the driver's rating and reviews before getting into the car. If it's low or there are a lot of negative reviews, don't take the ride. Also, share your ride details with a friend or family member so someone knows where you are. And if you feel uncomfortable during the ride, don't be afraid to ask the driver to stop and let you out.
Some Lyft and Uber horror stories include situations where the GPS fails. For example, an Uber driver followed the GPS directions which led them to a really bad neighborhood in the middle of the night. The passenger was terrified. Also, there have been incidents where the driver cancelled at the last minute when the passenger was in a hurry, leaving them stranded. There was also a case where a Lyft driver's car had a lot of mechanical problems during the ride, like the brakes making strange noises, which made the passenger fear for their safety.
When you get into the car, make sure the doors are unlocked in case you need to quickly get out. Pay attention to the route the driver is taking. If it seems off, politely ask the driver about it. And if the driver behaves in a threatening way, don't be afraid to call the police immediately. Uber also has a safety feature where you can quickly contact emergency services from the app.
One horror story is when a passenger got into an Uber and the driver started driving erratically, running red lights. The passenger was terrified and had to demand the driver stop immediately. Another is where a Lyft passenger found the driver was smoking inside the vehicle which made the ride very uncomfortable.
I heard of a case where an Uber driver drove way too fast. The passenger was constantly worried about getting into an accident. It was a really nerve - wracking experience just sitting in the car.
To protect from bad brokers, first, interview multiple brokers. Ask them about their experience, how they market properties, and their knowledge of the local area. Check their license status with the relevant regulatory body. Don't be afraid to ask for references from past clients and actually call those references. Also, make sure the broker is a member of a professional association, as they usually have to follow a code of ethics. During the process, keep a record of all communications with the broker, so if there are any issues, you have evidence.
Ask for references from the agent. A good agent will be able to provide a list of past clients who can vouch for their honesty and professionalism. And don't be afraid to call those references and ask detailed questions.
Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. This makes it harder for hackers to access your information. Also, be careful about what you share online. Don't post personal details like your address, phone number, or full name publicly.