by Los Angeles, California – A California couple says they were stunned to discover an alleged case of identity theft only after receiving official tax documents tied to rideshare earnings they say they never made.
Vahik Tatoosi and his wife, Anna Kojoyan, claim someone used Tatoosi’s personal information — including his Social Security number — to sign up as an Uber driver and earn thousands of dollars under his name.
The couple first became suspicious last September when they received paperwork from Uber welcoming Tatoosi as a new driver.
“We laughed it off,” Tatoosi said, describing their initial reaction.
But the situation escalated earlier this year when they received two 1099 tax forms reporting rideshare income tied to Tatoosi’s identity.
Tax Forms Spark Alarm
The IRS forms indicated that someone had earned thousands of dollars driving for Uber using Tatoosi’s name and Social Security number.
“I thought this is a serious matter, not just for identity theft but for public safety as well,” Kojoyan said.
The couple says the unexpected tax documents turned what seemed like a minor mix-up into a significant financial and legal concern.
Because the income was reported under Tatoosi’s Social Security number, the IRS may expect taxes to be paid on those earnings unless the issue is formally corrected.
“The income is being reported under our name. Now we have to contact the IRS and let them know what’s going on,” Kojoyan said.
Concerns Beyond Financial Impact
Beyond tax implications, the couple expressed concerns about the broader implications of identity misuse in rideshare services.
Kojoyan noted that passengers rely on background checks and driver verification for safety.
“People… use Uber thinking that all drivers are background-checked. But apparently you never know who’s picking you up,” she said.
While there is no indication that passengers were harmed in this case, the couple says the incident raises questions about how stolen identities might be used in gig-economy platforms.
Uber Responds
In a statement, Uber said it continues to invest in fraud prevention systems.
“The methods of scamming and defrauding companies are constantly evolving. At Uber, we’re committed to investing in robust anti-fraud systems and detection capabilities to keep up with new and enhanced fraud techniques,” the company said.
Uber did not publicly comment on specific details of the Tatoosi case.
Next Steps for the Family
The couple says they have enrolled in a credit monitoring service and are working with the IRS to dispute the reported income. They are now focused on correcting tax records and ensuring no further fraudulent activity occurs under Tatoosi’s identity.
Identity theft cases involving gig platforms can create complications beyond stolen credit cards — including tax liabilities and long-term credit impacts.
Authorities recommend that anyone who receives unexpected tax documents review them carefully and report suspected fraud immediately.
Have you ever discovered identity fraud through unexpected tax forms or financial notices? Share your experience in the comments below.
