A private hire driver has contacted DM News after receiving messages that initially appeared to be a scam — but were later confirmed as genuine communication from Bolt.
The driver received a text message stating they had been selected for a £100 bonus and were asked to contact a WhatsApp number regarding eligibility. The message referenced visiting a Bolt hub and included a short web link.
After getting in touch, the driver was informed that to qualify for the £100 payment, they would need to send their weekly Uber statements (PDF format) covering six weeks of 2026, along with rider fare breakdown screenshots for each week. The message stated the payment would be made on Friday once the information had been reviewed.
The WhatsApp message explained that the reason for requesting Uber earnings data was to “improve Bolt fares and increase driver earnings,” and that it was mainly for competitor earnings information.
Concerned about the legitimacy of the request, the driver contacted Bolt Support directly through the app. A Bolt Support Agent confirmed that the message was genuine and instructed the driver to proceed according to the instructions provided, or to visit the nearest Bolt office if further assistance was required.
The offer also reportedly included an additional ongoing incentive — drivers could continue sharing weekly screenshots and Uber statements each Monday for a £15 weekly bonus.
What Bolt is asking for
According to the messages shared with DM News, drivers are being asked to provide:
- Six weeks of Uber weekly statements (PDF)
- Rider fare breakdown screenshots for each of those weeks
- Ongoing weekly sharing for an additional £15 per week (optional)
The stated purpose is competitor analysis, specifically to better understand Uber fares and discounts in order to adjust Bolt’s pricing and improve driver earnings.
DM News Commentary
At first glance, this absolutely looks like a scam — especially when drivers are asked to send earnings data to a WhatsApp number. In today’s climate of phishing and fraud attempts targeting drivers, it’s understandable why alarm bells would ring.
However, in this case, the driver verified it directly through the Bolt app and was told the message was legitimate.
If you’re considering taking part:
- Always verify through the official in-app support.
- Avoid clicking unknown links without confirmation.
- Consider what personal or financial data you’re sharing.
- Visit a physical Bolt hub if unsure.
From a wider industry perspective, this highlights how competitive the ride-hailing market has become. Platforms clearly want deeper insight into competitor pricing structures, and drivers’ real-world earnings are the most accurate source of that data.
Whether £100 is worth sharing six weeks of earnings information is something each driver will need to decide for themselves.
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