The kidnapping-murder of a Carolina coed has raised fears of using ride sharing.

Police said Samantha Josephson, 21, called for a Uber ride and was picked up by someone she thought was an Uber driver. He wasn’t.

Tom Allen of the State Office of Regulatory Staff said his office enforces the law every day. ORS field inspectors are certified law enforcement officers. They work in high traffic areas like the airport, tourist areas, concerts, athletic events, festivals and other special events.

He recommended you take these precautions to ensure your safety.

• Transportation Network Carriers are required to have a sticker on their windshield, the Uber/Lyft/Spotaride/Select/Uzurv 360 stickers.

If you see no sticker, the driver is operating illegally.

Cancel the ride.

• Always check to make sure the notification you receive from the TNC has the vehicle make, model and license tag of the vehicle that arrives to pick you up. If not, cancel the ride.

• You will receive the driver’s name. Always ask for a name and destination. If the driver can’t answer, cancel.

• Send a screenshot of the app that includes the driver’s name, make and model to a friend and let them know when you safely arrive.

• Pay attention to make sure the driver goes where you want to go. Don’t text, talk on the phone, sleep or play on apps.

If it looks like the driver is altering from the known route, driving unsafely or doing anything suspicious, let your friend know.

• Do not tip with cash. Use the app tip feature.

Tipping with cash is illegal and can put you in danger of robbery or worse.

• Travel in groups. Not only is it safer, but also cheaper as you can split the fee.

•In cancelling a ride there is a cancellation fee. The TNCs are usually willing to refund the cancellation charge if a TNC partner did not operate within guidelines or violated the TNC’s terms and conditions.

In any case, your safety outweighs any potential loss of a cancellation fee.

• Report any concerns or issues to (803) 737-0800.