Hundreds of Venezuelan migrants have been illegally working as food delivery drivers across the United States, according to DailyMail.

This development comes amid an influx of over one million Venezuelans entering the US during President Joe Biden's administration, largely through the US-Mexico border. The situation raises serious concerns about the safety of home delivery apps and consumer trust, as personal information may be exposed to dangerous street gangs.

Many Venezuelan migrants have turned to food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats as an easy way to make money upon arriving in the US.

However, renting or selling food delivery app accounts on social media platforms like Facebook has become a common, albeit illegal, method for migrants to work without proper documentation. This trend has been particularly notable in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, home to at least 20,000 Venezuelans.

Rising Concerns Over Food Delivery Safety

The safety of consumers who use food delivery services is a growing concern due to the lack of background checks on account renters. Migrants, both legal and illegal, are using social media groups to rent out their delivery app accounts, often for a fee. This practice not only bypasses the necessary background checks but also poses a potential threat to public safety.

One Venezuelan migrant working as a DoorDash driver in Dallas, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that renting an account is a common practice. "Before I even left Venezuela to come here, I knew I could rent an account that wasn't mine to work in food delivery," he said. This highlights the ease with which migrants can enter the gig economy without proper authorization.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has seen a surge in Venezuelan migrants, with many turning to food delivery services as a source of income. The region's Facebook groups for Venezuelans are filled with posts from migrants looking to rent out their delivery app accounts. "Who's renting a DoorDash account?" posted one woman in the 'Venezuelan Friends in Dallas, Tx' group. This underscores the prevalence of the practice and the demand for such services.

The Role of Social Media in Facilitating Illegal Account Rentals

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become a hub for the illegal rental of food delivery app accounts. Migrants use these platforms to advertise their accounts, often specifying the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. This practice has become so common that it has raised concerns about the potential involvement of criminal organizations.

A man selling an array of delivery and ride-share accounts to the Venezuelan community advertises on Facebook, highlighting the extent of this illegal market. "I rent my Uber account. Message me privately if someone in Fort Worth is interested," another man posted. These posts indicate a thriving underground economy that operates outside the purview of law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

The prevalence of account rentals has led to concerns about the potential involvement of criminal organizations. Some voices in the Venezuelan community fear that the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, known for human and sex trafficking, may be involved in these activities.

Impact on Consumers and Delivery Companies

The unauthorized use of food delivery accounts has already created victims. In one incident, a Venezuelan man working under a different person's account on Walmart's delivery app crashed into a parked car in Frisco, Texas. The victim, Elena Hollopeter, sought to force Walmart to pay for the crash repairs after it was revealed that the driver did not have a valid license or insurance.

Delivery companies have strict guidelines regarding the use of their platforms, but the prevalence of account rentals suggests that these guidelines are not always followed. Uber requires its couriers to hold a valid right to work in the US and pass a criminal background check.

DoorDash has a multi-layered identity verification and safety screening process that includes real-time selfie verification. However, these measures have not been sufficient to prevent the illegal rental of accounts.

The practice of account rentals has also led to concerns about the effectiveness of background checks and identity verification processes implemented by delivery companies. Despite these measures, migrants have found ways to circumvent the system, raising questions about the safety and security of these platforms.

Why This Story Matters

The infiltration of Venezuelan migrants into the food delivery industry in Texas and California has significant implications for public safety and the integrity of the gig economy.

As hundreds of unauthorized migrants work as delivery drivers for companies like Uber Eats and DoorDash, consumers are unknowingly putting their trust in individuals who may not have undergone proper background checks or training. This raises concerns about the potential for exploitation, accidents, and even organized crime.

Conclusion

Hundreds of Venezuelan migrants have been illegally working as food delivery drivers across the US, raising serious concerns about consumer safety and the effectiveness of background checks. The practice of renting or selling food delivery app accounts on social media platforms has become a common method for migrants to work without proper documentation.

The unauthorized use of food delivery accounts has already created victims and raised concerns about the potential involvement of criminal organizations. Delivery companies have strict guidelines in place, but these measures have not been sufficient to prevent the illegal rental of accounts.