Wolt Couriers Face Scrutiny Amid Black Market Account Rentals and Safety Concerns
An investigation by the 'Shomrim' organization reveals a black market for rented Wolt courier accounts in Israel, raising severe safety and identity verification concerns as road authorities demand action.
Wolt's delivery service has become an integral part of daily life in Israel, but alongside convenience and speed, the company faces growing criticism over reckless driving and public safety concerns. Now, an investigative report by the 'Shomrim' journalism organization reveals a troubling black market involving the sale and rental of courier accounts, known as 'users,' raising serious questions about the true identities of those performing deliveries.
According to the investigation, dedicated Facebook groups feature advertisements offering courier accounts for rent or purchase. In one instance, an account in Beersheba was offered for no less than 5,000 NIS per month. A courier interviewed for the piece noted that account owners frequently hand over their phones or SIM cards to others to carry out deliveries on their behalf, with little to no verification of who is actually operating the vehicle.
Road Safety and Accountability Concerns
The issue extends far beyond identity verification. Data provided to the investigation by the National Road Safety Authority shows that approximately 40 citizen reports regarding dangerous driving by Wolt couriers are received by the police 100 hotline every month. Incidents described include riding on sidewalks against traffic flow, weaving between vehicles without license plates, and near-misses with pedestrians.
A central debate surrounds corporate accountability. While Wolt emphasizes that it operates as a technological platform connecting customers, businesses, and independent couriers, the National Road Safety Authority argues that because the company organizes operations, sets incentive mechanisms, and profits from the activity, it must take concrete steps to mitigate public risks.
Demands for Action and Company Response
In early September, the National Road Safety Authority sent a sharp letter to Wolt Israel CEO Tomer Cohen, demanding a detailed safety plan within 30 days. Requirements include verifying licenses and insurance, implementing identity checks, providing driving training, and deploying technological tools to curb riding in restricted zones. The authority warned that legal proceedings could follow if sufficient measures are not introduced.
In response, Wolt rejected claims of evading responsibility, highlighting that the company enforces a safety program, conducts initial background checks, and strictly prohibits account sharing. Wolt also maintains a dedicated hotline for reporting dangerous driving, terminates contracts with violators when appropriate, and denies that its payment structure encourages reckless behavior.
