Uber adds new feature to help keep you safe

ATLANTA — Uber is taking new steps to protect riders after several crimes in which people pretended to be drivers.

The company is rolling out a warning that will pop up in the app for users in major cities, including Atlanta.

A box will pop up and remind riders to check and see if the driver, along with the make, model and license plate of the car, match.

Uber said it is concerned about criminals who may pretend to be drivers, and in some cases, rob or assault people.

"It doesn't matter if you're in an affluent area or an area you consider a little dicey. You need to be on the lookout," Uber driver Marnie Perrymond said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 'The Walking Dead' stuntman dies after injury on set
• Bridal store closure leaves brides-to-be scrambling for wedding gowns
• Newlyweds from Georgia accused of kidnapping, raping woman

Police said earlier this month, two women pretending to be ride-sharing drivers tricked a man into their car and then choked and robbed him in Buckhead.

Channel 2's Nefertiti Jaquez rode along with an Uber driver Friday. She asked a rider if she ever thought about checking to confirm who the driver is.

"I don't think so just because, personally, I never had an issue," rider Sara Carville said.

Police said people using any type of ride-sharing service should make sure they know who they're getting in the car with.

"It's definitely recommended that you go that extra step and verify that information before you get into the car," Atlanta police Sgt. John Chafee said.

Cox Media Group