Managing Attorney Todd M. Friedman of the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. was recently interviewed by CBS News California Investigates regarding a rapidly escalating crisis: a nationwide surge in identity theft tied to fraudulent Uber driver accounts. Thousands of Americans are receiving IRS 1099 tax forms for income they never earned — and the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. is at the forefront of the legal fight against Uber’s screening failures.
If you received an Uber 1099-K or 1099-NEC and have never driven for the platform, you may be a victim of identity theft. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Who Is Todd M. Friedman?
Todd M. Friedman is a nationally recognized consumer rights and employment attorney with over 20 years of litigation experience across California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. As the founding and managing partner of the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., he has built one of the country’s most aggressive consumer protection practices — with a proven track record of holding major corporations accountable.
- Super Lawyer designation for 10+ consecutive years (2016–2026)
- AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer-review rating in the legal profession
- 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo
- $100+ million recovered in settlements for victims of corporate negligence and consumer fraud
When CBS News needed an expert voice on Uber’s identity verification failures, they turned to Todd Friedman.
The Uber 1099 Identity Theft Crisis: What CBS News Uncovered
In a follow-up segment with CBS News California Investigates, Todd Friedman outlined a disturbing pattern playing out across the country. Bad actors are creating fraudulent Uber driver accounts using stolen Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and forged identity documents — bypassing the platform’s background check process entirely. The victims of this scheme aren’t just left scrambling to prove their identity; they’re being hit with serious financial and legal consequences.
The “Game Changer”: Fraudulent 1099 Tax Forms
What makes this crisis particularly damaging is the IRS paper trail. Uber issues IRS Form 1099-K and 1099-NEC to drivers who earn income through the platform. When a fraudulent account is created in a victim’s name, Uber reports that income to the IRS — and now the victim is on the hook for taxes on money they never received.
Friedman highlighted cases where victims are receiving 1099s for amounts exceeding $50,000, creating immediate tax liabilities, potential IRS audits, and serious damage to their financial standing.
A Public Safety Risk
Beyond the financial harm, the consequences are physical. Fraudulent accounts mean passengers are being picked up by unvetted, unverified drivers — individuals who should never have passed a legitimate background check. Uber’s failure to properly verify driver identities isn’t just a consumer protection issue. It’s a public safety failure.
The Response: Hundreds of Victims Come Forward
Since the CBS News report aired, the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. has been “inundated” with hundreds of calls from victims in California, Michigan, Arizona, and across the United States. The scope of the problem is broader than initially reported — and it’s still growing.
The Class Action Lawsuit Against Uber
The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. filed a class action lawsuit in 2024 alleging that Uber negligently failed to properly verify driver identities, enabling large-scale identity fraud and exposing victims to serious financial harm. The litigation challenges the adequacy of Uber’s background check and identity verification processes — and seeks accountability for the company’s systemic failures.
Key data points supporting the case:
- 354+ formal complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding Uber 1099 fraud since 2020, based on FOIA records
- Victims face IRS resolution windows of 120+ days to dispute and waive fraudulent tax debts
- Litigation evidence shows that Uber’s background check process can be circumvented using forged documentation
What Should Victims Do? Action Steps If You Received a Fraudulent Uber 1099
If you received an Uber 1099-K or 1099-NEC and you have never driven for the platform, take these steps immediately:
- Request a Corrected 1099 from Uber. Submit a written demand to Uber requesting a corrected 1099 showing $0 in income. Document everything in writing and keep copies.
- File IRS Form 14039 — Identity Theft Affidavit. This alerts the IRS that your Social Security Number has been used fraudulently. It initiates an investigation and can help protect you from tax liability tied to the fraudulent income.
- Freeze Your Credit. Contact all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and place a credit freeze. This prevents additional fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name.
- Consult a Consumer Rights Attorney. You may have legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other consumer protection laws. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case and advise on potential claims against Uber and any third-party background check companies involved.
Frequently Asked Questions: Uber 1099 Identity Theft
Why did I receive a 1099 from Uber if I’ve never driven for the platform?
If you received a 1099-K or 1099-NEC from Uber and you’ve never created a driver account, someone likely used your Social Security Number and personal information to create a fraudulent driver account. Uber then reported the income from that fraudulent account to the IRS under your SSN. This is a form of tax identity theft with serious financial consequences.
Am I responsible for paying taxes on the income listed on the Uber 1099?
No. Income you did not earn is not your tax liability — but you must take action to formally dispute it. Filing IRS Form 14039 is the first step, and you should also contact a consumer rights attorney to explore all available remedies.
Can I sue Uber for issuing a fraudulent 1099 in my name?
Potentially, yes. The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. has filed a class action lawsuit alleging Uber’s negligent identity verification enabled this fraud. If you are a victim, you may be eligible to join the ongoing litigation. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.
How long does it take to resolve identity theft with the IRS?
IRS identity theft cases can take 120 days or longer to resolve. The process involves submitting an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039), follow-up correspondence, and potentially working with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. Having legal representation can help expedite the process and protect your rights throughout.
What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and how does it apply here?
The FCRA is a federal law that governs how consumer information — including background check data — is collected, used, and reported. In the context of Uber identity theft, it may apply if your personal information was accessed improperly through a consumer reporting agency. An FCRA attorney can assess whether you have a claim.
Media Coverage & Additional Resources
- CBS News: Uber Identity Theft & Fraudulent Tax Forms Investigation
- Spectrum News: Uber 1099 Identity Theft — Todd Friedman Interview
Contact the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.
If you believe you are a victim of Uber 1099 identity theft or want to learn more about the ongoing class action, contact our office today.
- Phone: (818) 619-3774
- Location: Woodland Hills / Calabasas, CA — serving clients nationwide
