An online market for Uber decals and Lyft "glowstaches" has raised questions as to why anyone would pay for what drivers of the two ride-hail companies get for free. The decals, which are meant to distinguish Ubers and Lyfts from not-for-hire cars on the road, are for sale on places like Craigslist and eBay for as high as $90.
First reported by Business Insider, the numerous cases of decals for sale raise the obvious specter of someone impersonating a Lyft/Uber driver and call to mind the bizarre January incident wherein a drunk man thought he was getting into a Lyft and ended up getting robbed. Such incidents are not restricted to Lyft, it should be noted, as the case last April of a man getting into what he thought was an Uber only to be beaten and robbed goes to show.
While it is unknown if fake decals played a role in either of these incidents, it is not hard to imagine a future scenario in which they might.
Business Insider reached out to both Uber and Lyft for comment, but the publication notes that the companies declined to comment. And while maybe the online decal listings simply represent the many drivers who tried and failed to make working for a ride-hail company a profitable enterprise, they should definitely serve as a not-so-gentle reminder to all of us to check the license plate before you step into a total stranger's car.
Related: Man Calls For Uber Ride From The Marina, Ends Up Beaten And Robbed