Beware of Informal Rideshare Services 

February 5, 2026 – Fresno Police Department officials announce a safety warning on using informal rideshare services.

Informal Rideshare services have become popular. These informal and unverified services operate through social media, advertising low-cost rides without the safeguards provided by licensed transportation companies. Please do not use these services that put your safety at risk.

Why This Matters

Unlike reputable rideshare companies such as Uber, Lyft, or other official taxi services, these informal services:

• Lack Oversight: No regulatory compliance or monitoring.
• No Permits or Licensing: Drivers are not vetted through official channels.
• No Background Checks: Passenger safety cannot be guaranteed.
• No Commercial Insurance: Riders may have no protection in case of accidents.
• No GPS Monitoring: Certified rideshare applications have built-in GPS tracking and sensors that can detect if a trip goes off course, providing an extra layer of safety.

Safety Recommendations

• Always use licensed, reputable transportation services.
• Avoid entering vehicles arranged through informal social media networks.
• If something feels wrong while in a rideshare vehicle, call or text 9-1-1 immediately.

Your safety is our priority. Help us keep Fresno safe by making informed choices.

Source: Fresno Police Department