Stay Safe, Drive Smart: The Essential Guide to Avoiding Scams for Uber Eats Drivers in Japan

Your Journey with Uber Eats in Japan Starts Here

For many foreigners living in Japan, the prospect of delivering for Uber Eats presents a compelling opportunity. It offers a level of flexibility and autonomy that stands in stark contrast to the demanding schedules and rigid hierarchies often associated with traditional Japanese work culture. The ability to earn an income, explore the vibrant streets of your city, and work on your own terms is a powerful draw. In a country where the gig economy was once a novel concept, platforms like Uber Eats have provided a new, accessible pathway to work, with many drivers reporting high levels of satisfaction with the flexibility it affords.

However, this opportunity comes with a critical caveat. The very factors that make you an ideal candidate—your enthusiasm, your potential unfamiliarity with local systems, and perhaps a language barrier—also make you a prime target for sophisticated scams. Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, seeking to exploit the trust and eagerness of new drivers to turn a quick, illicit profit. They understand that a new driver is focused on learning the ropes, maximizing earnings, and providing good service, creating a window of vulnerability.

This article is designed to be your essential co-pilot on this journey. Its purpose is not to discourage you, but to empower you. We will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you identify, avoid, and report the common scams targeting Uber Eats drivers in Japan. By understanding the risks and equipping yourself with the right knowledge, you can navigate the platform with confidence, protect your earnings, and ensure your experience is both safe and profitable. Think of this as your pre-drive checklist for digital safety.

Part 1: The Landscape: Delivering for Uber Eats as a Foreigner in Japan

Before diving into the specifics of scam prevention, it’s crucial to understand the operational and legal environment you’re entering. This context will not only help you get started correctly but also clarify your rights and responsibilities, which is the first line of defense against many fraudulent schemes.

Why Uber Eats is a Popular Choice

The rise of the gig economy has been a significant shift in Japan’s traditionally structured labor market. For foreigners, Uber Eats has emerged as a particularly attractive option for several key reasons. Firstly, compared to many other part-time or full-time jobs, the language barrier can be less prohibitive. While customer interactions are necessary, much of the process is managed through the app, which can be set to your preferred language. This lowers the entry barrier for those still developing their Japanese language skills.

Secondly, the platform offers unparalleled flexibility. As noted in a study on Japanese delivery drivers, the ability to work when and for how long one chooses is a significant departure from the fixed shifts and constant supervision of typical part-time jobs. This autonomy is highly valued and has led to high satisfaction rates among drivers in Japan, a trend that contrasts with driver sentiment in some other parts of the world.

Getting Started the Right Way (Key Requirements)

A smooth start begins with meeting all the official requirements. Attempting to bypass these rules is not only a violation of Uber’s policies but can also make you vulnerable to scams that prey on those with irregular status. Here are the non-negotiable basics:

• Age and Employment Status: You must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, certain government employees who are prohibited from holding a second job are not eligible to register.
• Vehicle and Licensing: Depending on your mode of transport (bicycle, moped, or light vehicle), you will need to provide the relevant documents, such as a driver’s license and vehicle insurance. It’s critical that your registered vehicle in the app matches the one you actually use for deliveries. Using an unapproved vehicle type can lead to account suspension.
• Visa Status (Critical for Foreign Nationals): This is arguably the most important requirement for foreigners. Uber Eats Japan has specific rules regarding eligible residence statuses. As of recent updates, new sign-up requests from foreign nationals are generally only accepted for those with statuses such as **Permanent Resident, Special Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, or those on a Working Holiday visa**. Notably, student visas are typically not eligible for *new* registrations. You must provide your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and proof of your permission to work.

Understanding Your Role as a “Gig Worker”

When you deliver for Uber Eats, you are not an employee of the company. You are classified as a “sole proprietor” (個人事業主 – kojin jigyōnushi) or an independent contractor. This distinction is vital. It means you are responsible for your own taxes, equipment, and managing your work. For a long time, this status also meant that gig workers fell into a legal gray area with fewer protections than traditional employees.

However, the legal landscape in Japan is evolving. In a landmark decision, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Labor Relations Commission recognized that Uber Eats delivery workers should be protected under the Labor Union Act, acknowledging that the company exercises significant control over their work. More significantly, Japan enacted the **”Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions Involving Specified Entrusted Business Operators,”** commonly known as the **Japan Freelance Act**, which came into effect in November 2024. This new law provides freelancers and gig workers with new protections, including requirements for clear written contracts, timely payment, and measures against harassment. Being aware of this evolving legal framework helps you understand that while you are independent, there are growing systems in place to ensure fair treatment.

Part 2: The Core Mission: Your Ultimate Guide to Scam Prevention

This section is the heart of our guide. Armed with the context of your role, you are now ready to learn the specific threats you may face and, more importantly, how to neutralize them. Proactive defense is your strongest weapon.

Why Scammers Target New & Foreign Drivers

Scammers operate on psychological principles. They don’t just attack systems; they attack people. New and foreign drivers are particularly attractive targets for a confluence of reasons:

• Eagerness and Anxiety: When you’re new, you’re eager to make a good impression, avoid mistakes, and start earning. Scammers exploit this by creating a sense of urgency or panic, making you more likely to act before you think.
• Unfamiliarity with Norms: You may not yet know what is “normal” procedure for Uber Support or customer interactions in Japan. A request that would seem strange to a veteran driver might seem plausible to you.
• Language Barriers: Scammers may use complex or rapid-fire language to confuse you, or they may pretend to be helpful by “simplifying” a fake problem, guiding you directly into their trap.
• Desire to be Helpful: Most drivers are conscientious and want to resolve issues quickly for customers and restaurants. Scammers leverage this goodwill, posing as someone in need of your “help” to fix a non-existent problem.

Deep Dive: Common Scams and Your Defense Strategy

Let’s dissect the most prevalent scams reported in Japan and outline a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for each.

Scam Type 1: The “Fake Support” Account Takeover (Phishing)

This is the most common and dangerous scam, aimed at gaining full control of your account to steal your earnings.

• How it Works: You receive an unexpected communication—a phone call, an SMS, or sometimes a message through the app’s customer chat. The person on the other end claims to be from Uber Support, a restaurant, or even a law enforcement agency. They create a high-pressure scenario: “Your account has been flagged for fraud and will be suspended,” “There is a problem with your last payout, and we need to verify your identity to release the funds,” or “You’ve won a special bonus, but you need to confirm your details to receive it.” Their goal is to trick you into revealing your login credentials.
• Red Flags:
  • Direct requests for your password or the 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) that Uber sends for verification.
  • Insistence on moving the conversation to an external platform like LINE, WhatsApp, or a direct phone call.
  • Extreme urgency: “You must do this in the next 5 minutes, or your account will be permanently deleted!”
  • Instructions to click a link sent to you via SMS. This link will lead to a fake login page that looks identical to Uber’s but is designed to steal your credentials.
  • Any request for you to purchase something (like a gift card) or transfer money to “resolve” an issue. This is a classic scam tactic.
• Your Action Plan (SOP):
  1. NEVER Share: Do not, under any circumstances, share your password or OTP. There are no exceptions.
  2. End Communication: Calmly and politely state, “Thank you, I will contact Uber Support directly through the app to verify this.” Then, hang up the phone or cease messaging. Do not argue or engage further.
  3. Verify Officially: Open your Uber Driver app. Navigate to the **Help** section in the menu. This is your single source of truth for all official communication and support. If there is a real issue with your account, it will be documented here.
  4. Report: Report the phone number or the customer account that initiated the contact through the app’s help section. This helps Uber’s safety team identify and block the scammers.

Scam Type 2: The Fake Order & Delivery Fee Fraud

This scam is more complex and often involves organized groups exploiting the system to generate fraudulent earnings.

• How it Works: A criminal ring sets up multiple fake customer and restaurant accounts. They place a fake order from their fake restaurant to be delivered to an address they control. Sometimes, they will try to get a legitimate driver to pick up a non-existent order. More commonly, they manipulate the system to collect delivery fees without any food ever changing hands. Cases in Japan, such as one in Fukuoka, have involved groups using this method to defraud the platform of millions of yen Fukuoka Now and.
• Red Flags:
  • You receive an order to a very strange or vague location, like an empty parking lot, an industrial park after hours, or a random point on a map with no building.
  • The customer is completely unresponsive to messages or calls, or their instructions are bizarre (e.g., “Just leave it on the corner and mark it delivered”).
  • You arrive at the pickup location (restaurant), and they have no record of the order.
  • You get a rapid succession of orders from the same customer to the same unusual address.
• Your Action Plan (SOP):
  1. Do Not Complete the Delivery: If you cannot physically hand the order to a person at a legitimate address, do not swipe “Delivered.” Doing so makes you complicit in the fraud.
  2. Contact Support Immediately: Use the in-app help function for the current order. Report the situation clearly: “I have arrived at the destination, but it is an empty lot, and the customer is unresponsive. I cannot complete the delivery.” Let Uber Support handle the cancellation. This protects your account metrics.
  3. Document Everything: If it is safe to do so, take a screenshot of the strange delivery location on your map and a photo of the physical location. This provides evidence for your report to Uber Support.

Scam Type 3: The Account “Rental” or “Lending” Scam

This scam preys on individuals who are either struggling financially or are ineligible to work on the platform themselves.

• How it Works: You might see a flyer, a social media post, or receive a direct message with an enticing offer: “Lend us your Uber Eats account, and we’ll pay you a fixed amount, like ¥90,000 per month, no work required!” Scammers use these “rented” accounts to allow ineligible individuals (e.g., those with the wrong visa status or who have been deactivated) to work, or they use them to commit large-scale fraud. This is a documented criminal activity in Japan.
• Red Flags:
  • Any offer of “passive income” or “easy money” in exchange for access to your account credentials.
  • The offer often targets foreign communities, assuming a lack of awareness of the platform’s rules.
• Your Action Plan (SOP):
  1. NEVER Share Your Account: This is an absolute rule. Your account is your responsibility. Sharing it is a major violation of Uber’s Community Guidelines and is illegal.
  2. Understand the Severe Risks: If you lend your account, you face immediate and permanent deactivation. Furthermore, you can be held legally and financially responsible for any criminal activity, such as fraud or illegal labor, committed using your identity.
  3. Report the Offer: If you encounter such an ad or offer, report it to Uber and, if possible, to the local police. You are helping to protect the entire driver community.

General Security Checklist (Your Digital Shield)

Incorporate these habits into your routine to build a strong defense against all types of scams.

Part 3: What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Been Scammed

Even with the best preparation, you might find yourself in a situation where you suspect a scam has occurred or is in progress. Acting quickly and calmly is key to minimizing the damage.

Step 1: Secure Your Account Immediately

If you believe your account information has been compromised, your first priority is to lock it down.

• Change Your Password: Immediately go to your Uber account settings and change your password to something new, strong, and unique.
• Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA): If it wasn’t on before, turn it on now. This will prevent anyone from logging in, even if they have your new password, as they will also need a code from your phone.
• Review Payout Information: Check your bank account details in the “Wallet” or “Earnings” section of the app. Scammers’ primary goal is to divert your payments to their own account. If it has been changed, correct it immediately.

Step 2: Report to Uber

Your report is crucial not only for your own case but for protecting the entire platform. Uber has sophisticated in-house teams and platforms like “Risk Entity Watch” dedicated to detecting and fighting fraud.

• Use the In-App Help Center: This is the fastest and most direct way to get help. Find the relevant trip or issue and submit a detailed report.
• Be Specific: Provide as much information as possible: the date, time, order number, customer name, and the phone number they used to contact you. If you have screenshots of messages, include them. The more evidence you provide, the faster and more effectively Uber’s team can act.
• Use the Customer Consultation Desk: For more general inquiries or if you have trouble with the app, you can use the Uber Japan Customer Consultation Desk form, which is accessible even without logging in.

Step 3: Contact Your Bank

If you made the mistake of sharing any credit card or bank account information, time is of the essence. Contact your bank or credit card company’s fraud department immediately. Report the potential fraud, block any compromised cards, and monitor your statements closely for unauthorized transactions.

Step 4: Report to the Police (If Necessary)

For cases involving significant financial loss or identity theft, you should report the incident to the police. You can visit your local police station (警察署 – keisatsusho) or a neighborhood police box (交番 – kōban). While they may not be able to recover your funds, creating an official report (被害届 – higaitodoke) is an important step, especially for any future insurance or legal claims.

Part 4: Staying Safe and Supported on the Road

Your safety as a driver extends beyond digital security. A holistic approach to safety involves being prepared for the physical and communication challenges of the job. This not only protects your well-being but also enhances your professionalism and confidence.

On-the-Road Safety is Non-Negotiable

The streets of Japanese cities can be busy and complex. Prioritizing your physical safety is paramount.

• Helmet Use: While the Japanese Road Traffic Act was amended to make helmet use a “duty to make an effort” (努力義務 – doryoku-gimu) rather than strictly mandatory for all cyclists, Uber takes a stronger stance. Uber Japan actively promotes helmet use through its “Helmet Club” initiative, which rewards drivers for wearing one. Always prioritize your safety and wear a helmet.
• Obey Traffic Laws: You are a professional representing a service while on the road. Adhere strictly to all traffic laws, whether you are on a bicycle, moped, or in a car. This includes not riding on sidewalks where prohibited, obeying traffic signals, and following rules for specific vehicle types. Competitors like DoorDash have faced scrutiny for dangerous driving by couriers, and all platforms are under pressure to ensure their partners operate safely.
• Know Your Insurance Coverage: Be aware that while you are on an active delivery (from accepting a request until it’s completed), you are covered by an accident insurance policy provided by Uber in partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance. This covers accidental personal injury and third-party liability, providing a crucial safety net.

Communicating Effectively and Safely

Clear and secure communication can prevent misunderstandings that might otherwise escalate into problems.

• Navigating Language Barriers: While many customers are understanding, knowing a few polite, simple Japanese phrases can go a long way (e.g., “Uber Eats desu,” “Arigatou gozaimasu”). The app also has built-in features to help. Remember, most interactions are brief. If you encounter difficulties, stay calm and use a translation app on your phone if necessary.
• Phone Number Anonymization: A key safety feature to remember is that when you call or message a customer through the Uber app, your personal phone number is not revealed. Theirs isn’t revealed to you, either. This protects your privacy and is a major reason why you should never communicate with customers outside the app.
• Using In-App Safety Tools: Familiarize yourself with the Safety Toolkit in the app. This includes features like an emergency assistance button that can share your live trip details with emergency services. While you hope you’ll never need it, knowing it’s there provides peace of mind.
• Official Support Channels: Reiterate for yourself that the only legitimate support channels are within the app’s Help section or the official Uber Japan Customer Consultation Desk website. Support is available in both Japanese and English. Do not trust support offered through social media DMs or random Twitter accounts.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey with Confidence

Delivering for Uber Eats in Japan offers a remarkable degree of freedom and a unique way to engage with the country. It is, by and large, a fantastic opportunity embraced by thousands of drivers who find it a satisfying and flexible way to earn an income. The risks of scams are real, but they are not insurmountable. They are challenges that can be managed and defeated with the right knowledge and a vigilant mindset.

Your greatest asset in this endeavor is not speed or knowledge of every back alley, but awareness. By understanding the tactics of scammers, internalizing the “golden rule” of never sharing your credentials, and knowing the proper channels for communication and support, you build a powerful shield around yourself, your earnings, and your account. You transform yourself from a potential target into a prepared professional.

By following the guidelines in this guide, you are taking the most important step towards a successful and secure experience. You are empowering yourself to enjoy the benefits of gig work while skillfully navigating its potential pitfalls. Your journey starts with being smart and safe.

Ready to start your delivery journey in Japan safely and smartly? Use the official registration link below to ensure your account is set up correctly and securely from the very beginning. Signing up through the official channel is your first and most important step in securing your new venture.

Click Here to Sign Up with the Official Invitation Link and Start Delivering!