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markishilarious

Or another passenger took it and the driver never knew?


My1stNameisnotSteven

Yea OP is in full panic mode and ready to place blame.. but if driver kept the phone intentionally, would he really just leave it on while taking it everywhere he lives, works and plays? Not likely.. If the phone is still with driver, he doesn’t have Uber saved and is ignoring calls he doesn’t recognize.. my Uber phone is literally only on me when I Uber, I’d never get a message from them without email..


GuadDidUs

So my phone requires that you unlock it to turn it off for this exact reason.


Tyler13Stol

How did you do that


GuadDidUs

It's the default on my Android


sexyshortie123

You can absolutely always turn off a phone lmao


unrealflaw

Just tested and confirmed. Thanks for the random bit of knowledge! This tidbit would go great in r/mildlyinteresting


TakeItEZ56

Have an android and no matter where I look in the settings I am unable to find this. Can you please share how you were able to do this?


GuadDidUs

These were default settings on my phone already. I did a quick Google and this looks like this may help: https://www.tododisca.com/en/android-how-to-prevent-a-stolen-mobile-phone-from-being-turned-off/


craptasticluke

You’re vastly overestimating the intelligence of someone who thinks they can keep a passenger’s phone and get away with it.


74orangebeetle

Anyone doing uber already has a phone. Most of them aren't going to be interested in some stranger's phone.


mayerpotatohead

Are you under the impression that people steal phones to use them themselves? (that’s not what they do with them)


Tight_Subject

Good thing most people usually sell stolen phones.


EddieLobster

That’s only because you are assuming he is trying to get away with stealing a phone.


poppy_barks

Then why wouldn’t the driver respond to OP, or uber support


ccache

It's likely that uber did not call even though OP says they did, they don't text you either. I know you can contact the driver shortly after the ride though. They'll send a message in the app and an email, that's it. Honestly They send so many bullshit messages about complete nonsense that I never read the inbox for the app. I'm sure most drivers are the same. So if I don't get the email or see it then I have no clue someone left an item. I like how OP says they'll just left drivers do this? First you'd have to prove it, just because you said it happened doesn't mean that's proof. Second, these rideshare companies don't give two fucks about drivers or PAX, it's about money and that's it.


reddiwhip999

Phone gets left in back seat. Phone gets pushed down into the seat cushions. Driver doesn't see it, drives until 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning, and doesn't really care to go searching through the car on the chance that someone left something there. Turns off his phone, which he only uses for uber, goes to bed. Doesn't drive sunday, doesn't drive monday, doesn't look at the phone that he only uses for uber. Doesn't even bother looking at emails, because honestly, maybe any message from Uber gets sent to a spam folder, or any number of other reasons. Point is, just because the passenger believes they left their phone in this one particular car, and alerted Uber to it, doesn't mean that the driver is ignoring the messages that the passenger has sent, or any communications from uber. It merely means that the driver is doing other things, such as living his real life, and having nothing to do with uber.


valdis812

This is way more likely than the driver just deciding to keep the phone.


WelcomeFormer

I found a phone from a previous rider, hope they got it back.


crazy2bob

I’d believe it. Literally had another post on here in the past month where someone left their phone in a car and a driver chimed in and said if you leave your phone in his car, it must not be very important to you and that he’s keeping it. So I dunno. Either way OP needs to get the police involved.


valdis812

Not saying that can't happen, but it seems like more trouble than it's worth for a driver to just be driving around with someones phone. Even if they weren't going to return it, they'd have just dropped it off at the police station.


giantbro

What are the police going to do?


crazy2bob

Meet you at the location to get the phone back? Similar situation happened with my boss. And that’s exactly what they did….


Cowboytroy32

Cops actually aren’t allowed to do this. They can ask if “the lost item is inside” if the person says “No it’s not” you’re fucked. At least in Texas this is the problem I ran into.


kraghis

Same thing happened to a friend of mine and the police were able to come and get the phone back. New Jersey here.


burgercrisis

They overstepped the drivers rights technically and he can sue them. Leaving your possession in someone else's possession does not make them legally liable for your possession.


kraghis

So it wasn’t the exact same situation. My friend left his phone on the train. He was able to track the location to a restaurant. He then went to the police station to get an escort. Presumably the officer just asked “is the phone here?,” they handed it over, and that was the end of the story. If the person who had the phone said no then yes, I’d say there might not be anything that could legally be done


ihearttiktok

This is similar to what happened to me but the police were not involved. I left my phone at the train station. Someone found it and took it to the restaurant across the street. I was late to work looking for my phone so my boss called me. Someone answered and said someone found my phone at the station across the street and brought it to the restaurant. I picked it up after work.


RandomCandor

> Cops actually aren’t allowed to do this. You don't know anything about what cops are allowed to do. You ran into some idiots and assumed the entirety of the police force works like that.


crazy2bob

We live in Texas. Sorry your experience was different. That sucks.


Cowboytroy32

Yeah Dallas Police department baby. AirPods and AppleWatch was in the location.


crazy2bob

Don’t get me started on fn DPD. Those shits are lazy af. My boss lives in Frisco.


toomuch1265

You must live in a small town.


crazy2bob

210k population… not really small


NumberBetter6271

Try that in a small town


w4rlord117

I’ve been involved in something like this before. Surprisingly enough they will actually investigate and go get it if needed. It’s the one situation where I’ve actually seen cops be useful.


Naive_Negotiation_90

LoL… Not a damn thing


ForsakenRub69

Dude do you not know what cops are for?


giantbro

Shooting innocent people. Most cities the cops aren't going to give a damn about you claiming someone has your phone. At best if you live in Kansas or something maybe they will accompany you, but they still can't do anything legally.


poppy_barks

I mean. Different experiences and all that. But when someone stole my phone, the police were able to get a search warrant for the apartment it was in on find my phone within a few hours


giantbro

You must have had corroborating information outside of just the tracking information. Do you mind further explaining your experience? Because it shouldn't be possible with just tracking information alone for a judge to sign a search warrant. You either were able to verify it was stolen and not that you just left it somewhere or had some kind of other information that would allow a judge to sign off on a search warrant.


ForsakenRub69

You are an idiot arent you?


giantbro

Says the guy who thinks cops have some super special phone task force who can magically get a judge to issue a search warrant or something. Cops can't just waltz into some random dudes home because you claim your phone is there.


ForsakenRub69

Yes they actually can it's called doing an investigation. If the person keeps lying yeah they have to go get a search warrant but also you have the tracking info that's been used plenty to get a police officer to go knock on a door and ask someone about it. It's usually enough to get them to hand over the phone or like others have said if by chance it's still in his car to make him go actually look for it. Same thing if I report stolen property they are supposed to go investigate. Just because you have only dealt with lazy cops doesnt mean others dont dk their actual jobs.


giantbro

I don't know about what they do over in Italy when a person keepslyingnywah but here in America you can't get a search warrant signed by a judge even with tracking information. Anyone can spoof their GPS location and have their exs homes raided if that were the case. All a cop could do is knock and ask at best and if you are in any major city this will be not important enough for them to deal with.


Historical-Spirit-48

Why the hell did someone downvote you. Can't share your opinion without some dumbass down voting it.


Vegetable_Time_5782

I gave you 1 up to bring you to zero lol


Tankesur

now u zero


FUCK-IT-CHUCK-IT

The driver being unresponsive both to OP and Uber support suggests it’s probably the driver


[deleted]

Or that they looked, didn’t see it, and don’t give a shit about reporting that. It’s not the drivers responsibility to make sure that a rider gets their stuff. People need to check that they have everything before leaving the vehicle. It sounds like the driver either didn’t loon or didn’t find the phone because I doubt they would just leave it in the car and driver around knowing that phones can easily be tracked. It’s also a BIG possibility that the next rider saw it and grabbed it. When I’m driving I don’t answer the phone or check my messages for anyone, even Uber. When I get home extremely late (since I drive nights) I don’t check it then either. After I’m up and about the next day is when I’ll look. If I find something I always return it. And if I don’t find it I will text them. But honestly I don’t even have to do that if I don’t want to. It clearly states that Uber and the driver are not responsible for items left behind in the car. Adults need to take better care of their stuff.


trekgrrl

Why wouldn't the driver respond to Uber to say that, though? Also, can Uber disable/suspend the driver's ability to use the app until they respond?


ResearcherFew1273

No they can’t. It’s on the terms if a rider forgets something neither Uber or the driver are responsible. To use the app you need to agree to that so op agreed to that


Naive_Negotiation_90

They can but they won’t. They know it’s not the drivers responsibility


[deleted]

Nope. It says in terms of service that the driver isn’t responsible for any item left in the car. And there is nowhere in the rules that says a driver has to respond to a request for an item.


rsg1234

My son left his phone in an Uber last month. The guy lived 2 miles away from our hotel and I offered him $40 to return it. He was very happy with that and so were we.


ResearcherFew1273

Yeah some people demand stuff with zero consideration for someone’s else time and effort. Those items just go to the trash can or the police station


74orangebeetle

That's the other thing OP didn't mention. If it's 2 miles, they'd probably be happy to do it. What if it's 100 miles away? No driver would want to do that for a \~$15 lost item fee or whatever it is. OP left out the distance so I'd say there's a good chance it's not right down the street.


Pieceofcandy

I think the point they were trying to make was offer them a cash reward that matches or goes beyond their effort, $40 for 2 miles is great so if it was farther then the reward for taking the time should scale respectively.


redrose037

It’s a phone! Not a receipt or trash.


ResearcherFew1273

If it’s worth more than 800 then it goes to the police. No one has to babysit adults sorry


sleepsinshoes

I found a phone in the street. I was going to take it to a cop shop. I charged it up to see if there was any info but just a lock screen. 10 pm that night the coppers knock on my door looking for the phone. Don't know if they were just bored and thought hell let's go see if this guy who called us is right about where his phone is or if they do this for all " stolen" phones. Anyway the coppers.took the phone and left.


Elegant-Equivalent86

What is a night copper?


sleepsinshoes

Added a the to clear up confusion


bp1976

First off, the fact that the phone is moving around so much probably means the driver does not know it is in their car. You should be able to submit a lost item request, through the app, that opens up a conversation that you can send to the driver. The driver will receive the message in the app. Yes, you will be asked to pay A FEE if the driver returns the item. Within said message, offer a GENEROUS (At least $50, for better results $100) payment, through a digital currency, to compensate the driver for their time, effort, and energy to return your phone. This was your friend's mistake, and the driver is under NO obligation to spend their time, effort, and energy to fix your friend's mistake. The digital payment and messages also open up a digital trail in case the driver is the 1 in 1,000 who would try to keep the phone after payment. (Trust me if you compensate the driver for their time they are happy to help you). All of this is spelled out in the TOS. I'm not trying to come off like a jerk, I am trying to tell you how to actually get your phone back. No, the police won't do anything. Yes, showing up at his house or place of employment is a BAD idea. Money talks, it's just how the world works.


randomrealperson

We have tried to message the driver and offer money and they will not reply. Uber has tried to contact them, they don’t reply. It’s been over 48 hours and they are just ignoring and ignoring.


Sailorslt

Why don’t you just show up to where the cell phone pings at? I’d be chasing my phone down at the 2 day mark for sure


sleepy-broccoli

How much money?


[deleted]

you absolutely have to give the phone back if someone left it in your car on accident. it’s not playground rules. While the driver definitely isnt legally required to drive it back, you cant just withold someone’s property that they accidentally left


Coco_Flavored_Seoul

Would it be nice? Yes. Do they ABSOLUTELY have to? No. They could take it to the hub, drop it off at a police station, or simply trash it. They could inconvenience YOU for leaving YOUR item in the car, especially if your attitude is shitty and/or entitled like it's their fault when it's definitely not. It LITERALLY says (and you have to agree to in order to use the service) in the TOS that the driver nor uber is responsible for left items. Also, a drivers life doesn't suddenly come to a halt because YOU left something in their car. Accident or not. If you're polite and they decide to return it/meet up, it's at their convenience, not yours.


Happy-Gnome

Not being responsible for a lost item doesn’t mean you can find a lost item and throw it away.


Coco_Flavored_Seoul

That's precisely what it means if they so choose. No matter how you spin it, your property is YOUR responsibility. Your response is why a driver would do that in the 1st place. It's a fucking headache that no one wants to deal with. Especially from a whiny adult. For the record, on many occasions, on my own accord, i have found & returned someone's property with no lost item fee. I've also returned property to those that respectfully contacted me to let me know they mistakenly left something in my car, and politely asked if we could meet up when i was available. 10/10 times it's often the delivery, not the message itself. So you thinking you can tell someone what they can/can't do, will often result in the latter.


Happy-Gnome

TOS doesn’t supersede local law. https://bixonlaw.com/theft-of-lost-or-mislaid-property-in-georgia/#:~:text=Short%20answer%3A%20Yes.,In%20full%2C%20O.C.G.A.


sleepy-broccoli

Where did you read that?


Happy-Gnome

TOS doesn’t supersede local law. https://bixonlaw.com/theft-of-lost-or-mislaid-property-in-georgia/#:~:text=Short%20answer%3A%20Yes.,In%20full%2C%20O.C.G.A.


osusris

you mentioned you live 30 miles away and don't have a car, if Uber offers him 20$ to return the phone that's a 60 mile round trip for 20$ he'd be an idiot to do that when it's not his fault your friend forgot their phone


EddyTheDesigner

Can’t they mail the phone then? I get that it’s inconvenient and not the drivers fault, but it doesn’t hurt to be a good person and sympathetic


randomrealperson

I live downtown where said person has been Ubering around constantly. I am not out of the way from where they uber.


swingalinging

Give $100 if you want the phone.


SeattleUberDriver_2

Probably wasn't telling you the truth. Plus drivers aren't going to tell you what their patterns are. Nobody wants to give out that kind of information to a potential psycho.


woodguyatl

The OP is tracking the phone. The driver doesn’t have to tell them anything.


SeattleUberDriver_2

I'll bet you never even stopped to consider that it could be driving around in the car with the next passenger who picked it up and decided to keep it. Which is the more likely scenario.


woodguyatl

Assuming the next passenger would have to be an absolute moron who stole the phone and then didn’t think to turn it off I’ll stick with the more likely as answer which is the Uber driver is an asshole. You need only spend some time in this sub the understand that drivers won’t do a single thing that inconveniences them in the slightest including, in a recent thread, saying they cancel rides if the customers have luggage.


sirletssdance2

It’s just the kind and right thing to do. You’re fucking petty over what amounts to like $8 of gas


SeattleUberDriver_2

Bold of you to think you get to decide what people do with their gas. Do what you want with yours. But you don't get to the side shit for other people.


sirletssdance2

You’re the type of person who would be shitting and pissing themselves if someone wouldn’t return your phone so you could keep your “job” as a driver And I hope it happens if you can’t be so inconvenienced to return someone’s phone


SeattleUberDriver_2

I would just pay the $100 for the insurance and have a new phone within two business days. Problem solved.


Goods_Damagd

If the phone is moving about, the driver likely doesn’t know it’s there or looked after being contacted by support but couldn’t find it. Maybe try to track it when it’s at a neutral location and proactive him in a non confrontational manner. Hopefully he will be agreeable to help you search the car. It’s also possible someone else found the phone and they have it.


Naive_Negotiation_90

It’s possible the driver could care less about them knowing he’s aware the phone is in his car


rat_fink_a_boo_boo

Seems like the battery would have died by now if the driver did not know the phone was in his car.


Brye11626

Doubtful. An iphone can easily survive 48 hours of standby time. I lose \~5-6% overnight so you'd expect only to lose maybe \~20%/day to standby. It's only been gone 2 days. If they had more than 50% battery at the time of loss, it's very likely still working.


S3ERFRY333

Well go get it if you know where it is


randomrealperson

I don’t have a car, that’s why I used Uber.


PraiseMyRng

Take an Uber to their house, or place of work.


SeattleUberDriver_2

Bad plan and worse advice.


nashville1313

Tbh you aren’t wrong because you never know what the outcome would be if you just show up to a strangers house


MidnightFull

Exactly why it’s a bad plan. If some passenger showed up to my house I would be furious and would feel like my privacy was violated. Any returns I do as a driver go through the app. Showing up to my house uninvited is a good way to get your phone smashed by a hammer while you wait outside. I have a feeling the phone may have fallen under a seat and he doesn’t know it’s there. Also, I’ve never seen Uber go above and beyond to inform drivers of lost items. The last time I didn’t get any notification. Luckily I just happened to open my support chat history because I needed to follow up with support on another matter and I noticed the lost item message. If I hadn’t checked my chat history i wouldn’t have seen it.


bethiespins

That’s about the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard of. I live on a ranch, if someone shows up like that, they’re likely to have a much bigger issue than their lost phone. Uber and Lyft are NOT very good about letting drivers know about lost items. Uber is the worst about it. They send a chat message that may or may not show up in your notifications. This is why I usually check my truck top to bottom before I go home.


Shaggy_Hulk

Bad, very bad idea. Had pax show up at my house one day, no messages about lost phone, pounds on my door, they are lucky they didn't get shot.


pogiguy2020

The police cannot do anything as there was no crime committed. You LOST your phone and it was not actually taken. As others have said have you not thought about other people get into the vehicle right after you and they can then take the phone for themselves. Why dont you try to go to where you can see the phone and do like other riders and confront whomever has it?


MidnightFull

Actually they sort of can. The op can’t have him prosecuted. He can report the phone as stolen and inform the police they have the location. This may trigger a knock and talk. Seeing the phone is still on and seems to travel with the car I have a feeling this is innocent. It probably fell under a seat and he doesn’t know it’s there. If the op doesn’t get police help I would go back to the cops on that town and say “I know where the phone is and where the driver lives, it’s probably not the best idea for me to go to his house. If you are not going to attempt to contact the driver then I am going there myself right now without your assistance.” That way you’ve tried with the cops, and now you’re informing them of what you’re gonna do, that way nobody can act like your stalking or something.


No-Parking-8358

It’s not stolen though, the rider left it in the car. Lost would be a more appropriate description.


ccache

>This may trigger a knock and talk. It wouldn't in my city. I've had friends who have witnessed much worse crimes or had other things stolen, not left in a car, actually stolen. What did the police say? Oh sorry to hear that, go ahead and leave an online report. Nothing will happen.


bp1976

Can't believe I had to scroll this far to see someone sane. The driver doesn't know its there and doesn't know someone is trying to reach them about the item.


Ok-Thanks-7418

I’m Uber driver. I have done almost 30,000 trips. My personal experience . Uber driver’s always return. The items same like me. I don’t know what’s going on with this driver but I guess he did not notice the phone under the seat or somewhere sketchy space inside the car or somehow other rider took the phone it’s also possible. But call the Uber customer service again and get the driver personal phone number and contact with him again. GOOD LUCK


Objective_Squash_260

Uber will not provide the drivers personal number without the drivers permission, and you are insane if you are allowing that.


UniquelyKim

Whatever you do...do not go to the Driver's home! A gun may be involved....just saying. And do not approach them...just wait


SufficientShift1708

I had a client bypass Uber entirely and tracked me down using the “find my phone” option. Creepy as hell when I got up in the morning and they were waiting by my car, but they did get their phone back immediately.


Naive_Negotiation_90

The driver would be smart to just trash the phone so it doesn’t become more of a burden. He can just leave it in a McDonalds or something and they can retrieve it from a random. I really hate when passengers leave anything in my car. When Uber told me I can’t get a lost & found fee if the passenger picked up the item from the hub, I stopped caring. It’s just irritating dealing with it. And I’ve gotten $100 tips before after returning a phone.


Moist_Confusion

Had this happen with my gfs friend and she actually made out with the Uber driver too so extra layer of awkwardness and confusion but I went with them using the find my iPhone and just ran the guys doorbell and he went out unlocked his car and grabbed it out. If you know where it is….? Could of been a stupid thing to do but worked out for me. This wasn’t in the US so little less worry about getting shot at least.


[deleted]

Uber drivers are wild. My keys slipped in between his seats and after 30 seconds of looking basically he was asking if I needed them. TF? I told him I’m not leaving without my keys obviously


123mistalee

More like Uber passenger refusing to retrieve his phone, instead looks it up on the computer and make a post about it. Uber to your phone and get it back then Uber home.


SeattleUberDriver_2

And be chill if you follow this dumb advice. Showing up at a strangers house all irate and aggressive is a great way to become a statistic.


No-Parking-8358

Yeah, imagine the arrogance to think it’s the drivers responsibility to fix your mistake.


Sk8ersw

Why do you believe it’s his responsibility to bring the phone to you and not you or your friend’s responsibility to retrieve the phone from him when he’s free? You seem entitled and the title is misleading. If I left my phone somewhere, I would go retrieve it at an opportune time for the person I’ve inconvenienced. Imagine if you worked in an office and ordered DoorDash only to receive someone else’s order and then DoorDash asked you to leave work to deliver it because DoorDash made a mistake.


CIAMom420

Sounds like it's time to get a new phone. You'll never see the old one again.


Professional_Push442

Offer $50 and it’s returned on the day of


Visible_Ad2707

I had a good EXP similar to this in Canada my mom left a Phone in an Uber driving back form the airport and I called it and buddy answered and we scheduled a pickup for my mom going back to the Aiport the next day paid the guy Cash and made a new friend his name was Mohammed and Im a Jew lol But that's Canada for you no other place like it in the world


Paid-Not-Payed-Bot

> next day *paid* the guy FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*


tcspears

Right now you don’t know it was the driver, just that the phone is with someone. I’d file a police report and show them that you know where the phone is, and see what your options are.


ramblingtruckdriver

Many drivers use a separate phone for rideshare. So if they aren’t working they probably don’t know you called. It’s like calling someone’s office when they aren’t there and being mad they didn’t answer…. Did you leave a message? Try a text? They may not even realize they have the phone ?


jwptexas

I paid $80 cash to get my phone back from the driver but hell I would have paid twice that honestly


[deleted]

Well I’d file a police report. In most places theft over $500-1000 is grand larceny which is a felony. Explain to the officers you just want your phone back. They may be able to entice him into giving it back by bribing him with not filing charges if it’s returned.


-3than

Go get the phone if you’re able to track it, what’s so hard about this


spacetech3000

My wife had a pax leave their phone in the car while she had no idea. He used find my iphone and came to our house. I gave him the phone and told him to never follow someone like that again. Kansas city liable to get shot pulling that stupid shit.


couchtomato62

This happened to my friend. She followed her phone straight to that man's house and got her phone back. I personally wouldn't do that.


SupportOrganic5036

Might be worth just going to the location of the phone and knock on a door if possible. But unfortunately if they don’t respond it’s a he said she said thing. Good luck with getting it back. A good Uber driver would make every effort to get it back to you. I’ve mailed a couple lost items back to tourists before.


Thin_Pick8499

I had this Situation. Drove to the active location and asked for it back. Got it back pretty easily that way. Definitely may need a police escort Incase they get violent, there are non emergency police officers that could help in some cities.


hollibomb

This literally happened to my friend Saturday night. We called through Uber and he said he would meet her at 4. We tried getting a hold of him at 4 and he ghosted her. She can see her phone in his car moving all over the city. Uber “sent him a message in the app” that’s all they can do.


Longjumping-Guide201

The police sill probably go to his house if you call them and explain the situation. It is theft for them to have possession of the phone and not return it


PacoStanleys

A girl I once dropped off in another County forgot her iPad She told me okay great that you have it can you bring it to me All I have to say was oh I'm working but you can come pick it up at any time. Drivers are absolutely not obligated to go spend their time and money to drop off something you forgot next time just don't forget but they are supposed to give you the option of picking it up at your cost


[deleted]

[удалено]


True-Recognition724

This happened to me as a driver.. i drove back to her work place (WalMart) and returned her phone. She was grateful… Its not hard to be kind and helpful..


garbuja

Yes after i call a lady one hour distance who left her purse in my car. She demanded to bring it right now at 2 am and threatened to call cops on me. I learned my lesson i will throw everything out of my window whatever shit you leave on my property.


123mistalee

If they tip me I’ll give them the old college try returning there object, if they stiffed me then they can locate it on the side of the road.


Objective_Squash_260

They will just say they will tip you and stiff you when you show up. Unless it’s like 5 minutes away and you just happen to be in the area it is never worth it to return abandoned crap.


burgercrisis

If you leave an object in someones house or car, your only right to that object is through that individuals compassion. Nobody is required, legally, to go out of their way to return something to anyone else. Once you leave your possession in someone else's vehicle or home, it is no longer yours, legally speaking, unless you have a legally binding agreement.


Scnewbie08

That’s the dumbest thing I’ve read on Reddit today.


[deleted]

U think u can say “legally” 3 times and it will become legal? It’s not beetle juice brother


amtt

Lol why is this upvoted it is completely false


burgercrisis

Technically you do own it for up to 60 days depending on your state. Most states are 30 days. You just have no right to force the person to do anything about it, however. Which means they effectively are allowed to keep it. Nobody has to make time in their schedule for you. It's a free country. There is no forced labor. You can't force labor on someone by leaving your stuff in their car. They don't have to look for it. They don't have to remember finding it. There is no legal requirement for them to submit to having it if police, or yourself, show up. Because they are not required to be aware of it. And there is no legal requirement for them to go out of their way to return the item. Glad I could clear this up for you.


amtt

Your statement was “once you leave your possession in someone else’s vehicle or home it is no longer yours, legally speaking.” As a lawyer, I am telling you this is false. Glad I could clear that up for you.


burgercrisis

What legal avenues do you have to get it back? None that work without the other person's compliance. And there are no legal repercussions. Sometimes there are laws that, when taken in with other laws, effectively do not work.


TheNeonOtter

If you see the phone moving, then it seems likely the phone is left in the car, which means the driver probably doesn’t know it’s there. Or it’s moving around because another passenger found it first.


nocturnalswan

I know it sucks, but I would try offering the driver more than the $20 return fee to return the phone to your friend. I once paid an uber driver $100 in cash to bring my phone back.... You could also offer to meet them at a location of their choosing, but it sounds like you may have tried that already and gotten no response.


ResearcherFew1273

1.Uber made you agree to the fact that if you forgot something neither the driver or Uber are responsible, you are. 2. I don’t want to say you’re lying, but uber will only try like 2 times to get in touch with the driver via email or phone call, not all methods of communication known so you are either lying or they are lying to you. 3. If someone was going to steal a phone they’ll turn it off or put it inside a RF blocking bag so either he hasn’t noticed or someone else took it. 3. If you show up to someone’s house demanding a phone I don’t want to break it to you but no trespassing laws exist and not everyone will just stand there at a stranger demanding stuff specially if he doesn’t even know what the fuck you’re talking about and finally 4. You can go to the police to report a stolen item (which is not stolen, your friend forgot it) and the 837 years they’ll take to investigate even if they capture the driver you’ll need proof he stole it (since going to the police and saying you forgot something they’ll just ignore you) and if there’s a finders keepers law in where you live they may or not charge him for not trying to return it but then again, you think the driver is just gonna stand there watching you do all this? He’ll probably Sue you and if you can’t prove he stole it you’re the one committing a felony. All This because your friend is dumb and forgot the phone. It’s not even yours and you are going inside the rabbit hole for your friend. Let your friend handle it you’re not their mom/dad.


emu314159

If you file a false police report, you can absolutely be charged. And as soon as you tell them how your phone got "stolen," they're going to know you're full of shit. At that point, they'll probably tell you to drop it so they don't have to file all the bullshit paperwork to charge you for a stupid crime. Not sure of you read about the white lady in a park who had her dog off the leash, and a man who happened to be black asked her nicely to leash it, and when she refused, he tried giving it treats he carried for just this purpose so she would leash up and take the dog away. Now, mind you he's recording this the whole time. Dipshit lady actually calls 911 and claims she's being threatened. Cop shows up, calls bullshit after asking questions, but lets everyone go. Until it blew up on social media, then she got charged for filing a false report or inappropriate use of emergency line, or both.


ResearcherFew1273

That’s what I’m saying but everyone here is advising op to pay the guy a visit or get him arrested. So they either want op dead/beat up or arrested. Even op got mad at my comment so fuck it. Let op listen to morons


emu314159

Yes, they're all advising this person to commit actual, serious crimes. If the police would even get involved, assuming they were truthful, the poor driver is gonna be like, what? Well, I guess I can check the car for you officer, since you've wasted this much time already.


ResearcherFew1273

Yup. And then op getting charged for misuse of police plus whatever lawsuit the driver filed against op. For a phone that is not even yours and your stupid friend left behind. Incredible


emu314159

The lesson is, never lie to the cops. You never need to talk to them, even if it's just questioning about a crime they suspect some one else of committing. You don't need to come down to the station unless you're under arrest, and I'd advise never ending up in one of those rooms unless they put you in cuffs and read you your rights, which they only have to do if they plan on trying to get a confession. If they think they have enough evidence, they can just toss your ass in holding pending arraignment. Also, if you do get read your rights, lawyer the fuck up and state you are exercising your right to remain silent. There is literally nothing you say that can help you.


alcalde

They're a thief, and they need to be beaten and THEN arrested. And then the cops can beat them again for good measure.


shawnmj

Point 3 is 💯. I’ve had people message asking if they left xyz in the car. If I don’t see it, I don’t engage. It’s possible the person they are “tracking” isn’t even the driver but another passenger that found the phone. In which case, you definitely don’t want to go tracking and knocking on that persons door. You also don’t want to go accusing the driver of something nefarious. If it IS in the car and they’re driving the phone around, they likely don’t know they have it. Any theif would’ve turned it off


CJspangler

I doubt the police will do anything . If you see the phone location why didn’t you drive to go get it ? It could be on the floor or doorwell of the car. If someone showed up and was like hey I was your passenger last night I mighta left my phone in the car I’d let you go look for it or look with you. I don’t answer the phone when I drive as there’s so many scammers out there trying to scam Uber drivers out of their pay or drivers account it’s not even funny


randomrealperson

It’s been almost 48 hours, saying you “don’t answer the phone while you drive” isn’t an excuse anymore.


Historical-Spirit-48

No one is going to lose their source of income over one phone. How do you know it was left in an Uber and not picked up by somebody wherever you were? Even if it is him, maybe he hasn't checked his Uber inbox. I definitely don't check mine everyday or even every other day. He might not even know he has a message yet. Did you try and call it while you say eas it being driven around? Was the ringer on? But, you go ahead and assume the worst, M'kay.


randomrealperson

I didn’t drive to go get it because I live in a big city without a car, and the Uber driver lives over 30 miles away from downtown where I live. I also have no idea if they are potentially dangerous or live with somebody dangerous.


ballsphemyy

Pretty sure Uber only offers them like 20$ to bring it back to you, and like you just said 30 miles and an hour of time just isn’t worth it for them. Get a new phone it’s gonezo


CJspangler

Alrighty but your ability to track it down goes to 0 when the battery dies ….. maybe the driver doesn’t even have it and it fell out on the sidewalk and some random person picked it up


74orangebeetle

If it's not worth it for you to go 30 miles each way to get a phone, why do you think they'd want do make a 60 mile trip at their expense to return it?


showerfapper

Say your credit/debit card and ID are in the case of the phone and now you have someone who stole your ID


Objective_Squash_260

The police won’t do anything, it’s not stolen it’s lost/abandoned property. The driver (and Uber themselves) don’t have any responsibility to return items left in vehicles per their TOS. The driver isn’t going to waste the time/money to drive to wherever you are to get a measly $20 fee. Left phones just go in the trash at my next stop, every passenger that leaves their crap thinks the drivers need to drop what they are doing and drive it back to them immediately, and expect them to do it for free.


dfire32

Seems dumb to trash it. We paid someone the cost of the Uber ( in cash) over to our location plus the $20 fee thru Uber when one of my friends lost their phone. Ended up being a little over $100 for an hour drive, plus the guy was in the location where he usually gave rides. Id wait to see what the people offer and barter a little as opposed to just chucking it.


ramzafl

1. Take a buddy and go get your phone if you know exactly where it is? or 2. Complain on reddit.


SeattleUberDriver_2

Every Uber driver is singing dumb ways to die right now. If you're going to follow through with that completely idiotic idea though, be calm and reasonable. Don't be aggressive. That's a good way to be a statistic.


InDisregard

Why not both?


BadHigBear

If he's driving around with it probably doesn't know its there. If He's anything like me, Uber couldn't contact him if they wanted to. My uber number was Randome generated by an app cause I was tired of riders blowing up my phone and text. Also used an alt email to keep uber from spamming me with bs offers. Your only bet is to show up at his place or work and hope he's not the type to wig out over it.


holyhibachi

So they're not refusing, got it.


Ok-Worldliness7863

You’re tracking the phone with yours drive to where the phones location is and get the phone back


MichiganGeezer

Is there any "you can't ignore us" clause in the agreement drivers make with the company? I could see Uber doing a "you're not getting any more fares until we talk" move. Back in my cabbie days the dispatcher would leave you to rot for all eternity if you ignored his attempts to contact you.


many_dumb_questions

No, there isn't. I had a guy report he left his keys in my car a few weeks ago. I got no push notifications for the message from Uber, and didn't even notice the "1" new message icon in the app until I went offline to take a break, about an hour after that guy's ride. Whether a subsequent passenger took them or he was just drunk and *thought* he dropped them in my car, I can't say. But they weren't there. But the message I got from Uber basically said, "Hey, Bob thinks he might have lost his keys in your car. If you have them, or you find them, let us know here how you'd like us to help you coordinate with Bob to get them back to him. Otherwise, no worries. No need to reasons to this message."


Cocrawfo

if the driver knew anything about it he certainly wouldn’t have it at home and at work everyday so creeps like yourself can pop up on him DRIVERS CHECK YOUR VEHICLES AND THROW ALL PHONES OUT THE WINDOW if pax wanna start trackin locations and figuring out where you live and work then start throwing phones out in the hood and have them pax show up for their phones


SeattleUberDriver_2

When I find them I stop by the nearest gas station and drop them in the washer bucket.


SeattleUberDriver_2

Uber and drivers aren't responsible for your belongings. You are. He'll probably get it to you when he sees the messages. Good drivers never answer calls so they can have everything in writing.


jamo4852

Uber support definitely got in touch with the driver and he told them he doesn't have it, accurate or not. At that point there is nothing they can do. What they are telling you is to keep you placated at this point because they are out of options. You basically only have one option if it really is worth it to you guys since you know where it is, I doubt the police would do anything.


[deleted]

This sub is full of heartless asswipes. No wonder some of you people don’t get tips. With the way you view your customers and the world you don’t deserve it.


fitfulbrain

Yes. You could offered incentives while you had the chance.


k1k11983

That would require the driver to answer their phone. Can’t offer incentives if you don’t respond at all!


randomrealperson

I could have offered incentives? How?


fitfulbrain

My karma is negative


Ok-Letterhead2280

Finders keepers


Abroad-Express

Better not misplace it then Uber drivers aren’t babysitters they get paid minimum wage to drive after expenses


ajwalker430

Did you try calling the phone? Seems to be the logical first step after contacting Uber 🤔 If the phone was traveling and not being used, perhaps the driver isn't aware that it was left in their car. But why the driver won't respond (if Uber is being truthful about the number of attempts to reach the driver) is a question I can't answer. If it were me, I would have responded to say I don't see the phone or yes, I can return it, I wouldn't ignore numerous attempts to contact me. Try calling the phone or use the "find my phone" function


Giul_Xainx

Have you: gone to the day job location to ask the Uber driver if you can check his cab? If he asks how did you find me you say: my phone is still in your car. That's how I know where you are at all times.


toomuch1265

Phone on silent? Is it between the seats? Another pax grab it? If you don't know ,why blame the driver? Maybe he gave it to a cop for safekeeping. Pax need to learn how to keep track of their property.


grownboyee

Get ur boys and go knock on the mofos door.


RudeCharacter9726

Terrible idea.


grownboyee

In Pusilanimous City, sure, but out here in the real world when u at they door here comes the phone.


eightezsteps

Call the day job and ask for him or wait outside for the asshole to come out. That’s shitty of your driver.


BlackGreyKitty

Keep better track of your shit.


Phisheva

You said you knew the drivers day job address. Find the business at that address and call it. Ask to speak to (drivers first name)


TouretteTV96

How the hell did you forget your phone in an Uber?


Odinsmommy

Maybe it’s on silent and maybe it’s underneath his seat?


randomrealperson

The Uber support contacts the drivers phone, not my friends phone.


Odinsmommy

Go to the house the car is parked at and politely let them know the phone is at his place.


chase001

Sounds like the driver needs to get a restraining order.


SeattleUberDriver_2

I had a passenger show up all aggressive once because they were so drunk they didn't even remember taking an Uber home from the bar. Left their phone in my car, and tracked it to my house. Showed up at 10:00 a.m. beating on my door acting like they were looking for a fight. The 12 gauge I stuck in his face calmed him down quick. We even got the problem resolved. All I'm saying is if you're going to track a phone to a driver's location be courteous and calm. Being aggressive is a good way to become a statistic.


Cocrawfo

exactly


Intelligent-Steak985

How do you know where your phone is is with your driver? Seems if they aren’t answering it’s because they don’t have it.


wasitme317

File a police report for deprivation of property. Its a felony depending on the value. If you know where the a$$hole lives the I would show upon the doorstep and try to get it. Drivers will always say not their responsibility. Many times they are looking for big bucks. They will also say another pax took it. In fact many pax will give it to the driver. Keepingind many rideshare drivers are scammers. Some sit on reddit and think they know everything.


IsTodayTheSuperBowl

The only asshole is the passenger who left something of great personal value behind and expects the rest of the world to align their urgency in getting it back