Newcastle Police Launch Investigation Into Alleged Rideshare Impersonation at Hamilton

19 January 2026

UPDATE: The vehicle of interest was identified by police who have since spoken with the driver. Inquiries have established that the man is a current rideshare driver in NSW. Inquiries are continuing in relation to potential touting or soliciting for passengers under relevant legislation. Touting or soliciting may carry a penalty in NSW.

newy.com.au – Newcastle Police have confirmed they are investigating a driver allegedly impersonating a rideshare vehicle outside a Hamilton hotel in Newcastle in the early hours of Sunday 18 January 2026.

In an online post, a woman posted an image of the alleged vehicle and detailed the incident, which led to a number of other people to coming forward to share details of similar incidents around Hamilton and Newcastle’s CBD.

The woman alleged she had ordered an Uber outside The Exchange Hotel on Denison Street, Hamilton, when a white Toyota Camry pulled up and the driver called out, “You waiting on an Uber?” When she said yes, the man told her, “Yeah that’s me, get in,” despite her Uber app showing her booked driver was still about 170m away.

When she questioned the mismatch in the app, the woman said the driver told her not to worry, claimed Uber had “sent him instead”, and asked her to cancel the trip, saying it would not cost her anything.

She said: “It was raining and cold, and I could see how this could easily work on someone who was younger, more drunk, or just tired and wanting to get home.”

The woman said she did not get in the car and later reported the matter to police. She said police were notifying the venue.

NSW Police told newy.com.au they were “hoping to speak to the driver of a white Toyota Camry who may be able to assist police”. And “The driver was last seen outside a hotel on Denison Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday 18 January 2026”

Police urged the public to be vigilant when using rideshare apps and to confirm the vehicle they are entering is the correct vehicle.

King Street venue Bernie’s Bar said in an online post that they are also aware of it happening on King Street Newcastle and near Marketown shopping centre.

A former Uber driver followed up by saying “even if the car and driver match what’s in the app, never ever cancel on the app and pay cash if they offer, for similar reasons, you lose all safety features and protections”.

Anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV or information about the incident or similar incidents has been urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.