FBI issues warning about criminals using ride-sharing companies to abduct children

PITTSBURGH — The FBI put out an alarming warning that criminals are using ride-sharing companies to abduct children.

The FBI said since the pandemic, law enforcement has received several reports of ride-share services being used to target children and abduct them.

It’s been happening across the country in states like California and Oregon and internationally in Mexico City.

According to the federal agency, criminals use ride-share services like Uber or Lyft because they are easy to book and don’t have very strict security protocols as other forms of transportation. They also said detection is less likely. And due to COVID-19 guidance, masks make it harder for witnesses to identify criminals.

However, an FBI special agent in Pittsburgh said this is rare. Instead, this is what they’ve seen happening in our area.

“What we have seen is subjects talking to children online and they are looking to groom those children in order to meet them for a sexual encounter. Oftentimes they will offer to send an Uber or a Lyft to pick the child up to bring them to a location where they can meet in person,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent, Tim Wolford.

The special agent said this has happened around here a handful of times in the last two years and now they are warning families in our area. Some people in the North Hills said it’s concerning.

“I definitely think it’s concerning especially since Uber and Lyft are big companies. They should have better background checks and be more aware,” said Elise Mote.

“I think that’s really scary, and I’ve heard stories on social media to be careful, and especially as a young girl, I try to be as careful as I can,” said Lily Poland

The FBI shared some tips. If you notice any suspicious behavior in an Uber or Lyft, report it. Don’t let minors ride alone. Keep your receipts and parents need to be extra aware of what their kids are doing online.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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