A programmer recently developed a Google Chrome browser extension that checks Uber Eats payments to make sure that drivers aren't being underpaid by the app. The plugin, boldly named UberCheats, keeps track of the distance traveled by drivers to catch reported underpayments.

Launched in 2014, Uber Eats was founded as an independent expansion of the the Uber ridesharing service. It operates much like Postmates and DoorDash, where users can utilize their own vehicles to deliver food. Since Uber's founding in 2009, it has faced accusations that the service mistreats and underpays workers. Uber Eats, and its parent company, recently made the news when it was reported that drivers in Europe are aiming to sue Uber over information about how the company's algorithm and data are used. Earlier this month, a California ruling required that ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft must reclassify their drivers as employees.

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On Tuesday, programmer and Uber Eats driver Armin Samii announced the launch of UberCheats, a Chrome extension that detects if Uber Eats underpays drivers. This comes as a response to an alleged software bug in the app that can cause a miscalculation of distance. Samii claims that "around 22%" of Uber Eats trips are underpaid by more than half a mile, and that Uber Eats is aware of this glitch and has, so far, not made any moves to fix it. If the bug is real, and widespread enough, it could mean that drivers are consistently being underpaid by the app.

How UberCheats Works & What It Means For Uber Eats

Uber Eats Cheats

The plugin works by checking each Uber Eats statement against the distance the driver traveled, to confirm that the app is providing the correct payout. When drivers open their statement, the extension will warn them if the Uber Eats fare doesn't match up to what the driver should be owed. If there is a discrepancy, drivers can then reach out to Uber Eats to be refunded the amount owed.

This news doesn't come at a good time for Uber Eats' parent company, Uber. With the recent ruling in California, leading to a possible statewide shutdown, drivers are a bit more concerned about what the future for ridesharing apps will be. Although this ruling doesn't seem to affect Uber Eats drivers, it does bring concerns about these apps to the forefront of the conversation. However, the news hasn't been completely bleak for Uber as the company recently announced it is acquiring Postmates in a deal valued at over $2.6 billion, which should help expand the company's operations in the groceries and essential goods sectors. This move could majorly benefit Uber, considering the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the need for services like this.

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Source: Armin Samii/Twitter