NetSafe's warning people to install anti-virus services on mobile phones after an Auckland man's Uber account was used in Russia.

On Friday, Calum Laird awoke to an email from the transport provider thanking him for his ride in Moscow.

Safety and technology officer Sean Lyons said people protect their computers but don't realise mobile devices are just as susceptible to being compromised.

He said there's a growing trend for hackers to use viruses that piggy-back other apps being downloaded to record personal information and make fraudulent purchases.

"That's a worrying trend for us. It's unlikely that Uber itself has been compromised. It's much more likely that many people, and this is nothing to do with Laird, are sitting on phones that have been compromised without their knowledge."

Laird was left perplexed after receiving an email from Uber thanking him for using their services on Friday evening in Moscow.

He said he first realised his account had been hacked when he logged onto his emails yesterday morning.

"My initial feeling was definitely shock that I'd managed to go out partying in Moscow for a night and get back into bed before breakfast," he joked.

He was billed 2358 roubles, about 47 dollars, for the trip.

He said while it's not a large amount he's now concerned about the security of his finances online.

He said he followed all the password protection tips and has no idea how it happened.