In Scottsdale, AZ, a man named Nuruhessin Hussein is accused of pretending to be an Uber driver and stealing over $290,000 in cryptocurrency from unsuspecting victims. The scheme began on March 31, 2024, when Hussein approached a victim waiting for their ride, borrowed their phone for directions, and transferred nearly $97,000 in cryptocurrency to his own account. He allegedly threatened the victim by showing a gun. Just months later, he targeted another victim in the same location, stealing almost $196,000. Hussein was arrested on December 11, 2024, and faces multiple charges, including theft and money laundering. Uber advises users to verify their driver’s identity to avoid such scams.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A man named Nuruhessin Hussein has been arrested for allegedly impersonating an Uber driver to steal over $290,000 in cryptocurrency from unsuspecting victims in Scottsdale. The incidents occurred near the W Hotel, where Hussein reportedly called out to individuals waiting for their Uber rides.
In a shocking turn of events on March 31, 2024, Hussein approached a victim and asked to use his phone for directions after claiming his own phone had died. The victim complied but soon discovered that Hussein had transferred approximately $97,000 in cryptocurrency to his own account without permission. The victim felt threatened during the ride, especially when he noticed a gun in the vehicle’s console.
The second incident happened on October 11, 2024, when Hussein used the same approach, asking another victim to see their phone to cancel a ride with an actual Uber driver. During this time, he allegedly transferred two bitcoins, worth $196,000, to himself. Victims realized they had been scammed upon receiving emails regarding the unauthorized transfers.
Detectives were able to link these transactions to Hussein’s accounts, leading to his arrest on December 11, 2024. He now faces multiple charges, including money laundering, theft, and fraudulent schemes.
Uber encourages users to always verify their rides to avoid falling victim to scams like these. According to Uber’s safety page, riders should match the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with the information available in the app before getting into any vehicle.
This series of fraudulent activities raises awareness about the importance of staying vigilant when using rideshare services.
Tags: Scottsdale news, cryptocurrency theft, Uber scams, Nuruhessin Hussein, safety tips.
What happened in Scottsdale with the fake Uber driver?
In Scottsdale, a man pretended to be an Uber driver and tricked people into giving him their crypto. He stole over $290,000 from victims.
How did the fake Uber driver operate?
The fake driver would pick up people, usually in busy areas, and then ask them to pay for rides with cryptocurrency. Once they paid, he would disappear.
What should I do if I think I was a victim of this scam?
If you believe you were scammed, report it to the police immediately. Also, contact your bank or crypto exchange to secure your funds.
How can I avoid falling for similar scams?
Always verify your ride by checking the driver’s identity through the app. Never share your crypto wallet information and be cautious of payment requests outside the app.
Is this a common issue with ride-sharing apps?
Yes, scams involving fake drivers happen sometimes. It’s important to stay alert and use official features in the app to ensure your safety.
