15 Roadside Scams Every Driver in the US Must Know to Stay Safe
Research shows that around 40 out of every 100 drivers in the US have fallen victim to at least one type of roadside scam or fraudulent scheme. American Automobile Association research indicates that the number of scams directed at motorists has increased throughout the summer road travel season.
Motorist schemes can cause severe financial damage and possible harm to people and vehicles. Protecting yourself requires understanding what warning signals to watch out for when dealing with these common tricks. This guide explains 15 scams drivers face on the road and provides advice so you remain safe when traveling.
The “Flat Tire Helper” Scam
During your break at a coffee shop, your window suddenly points out the flat tire problem to a stranger who approaches to offer assistance. They offer to fix it for free but demand an exorbitant “tip” once they’ve completed the “repair.”
Criminals preparing this scheme typically damage tires before intercepting unsuspecting customers. When dealing with this situation, politely thank them for their help, then immediately contact professionals through your roadside assistance service or local garage.
Before commencing a journey, inspect your vehicle and never invite strangers to help you without proper verification.
Fake Accident Claims
While parked, strangers will falsely tell you that you caused damage to their car for this deception. They’ll demand cash compensation to “settle” things without involving insurance.
If faced with an accident accusation, you should remain calm while requesting photo evidence or dashcam footage as proof. Should these persons show aggression, you need to contact local law enforcement officials. Scammers generally run away as soon as law enforcement arrives on the scene.
Distracting Good Samaritans
A “Good Samaritan” may flag you down to inform you of a supposed issue with your car, like smoke near the hood or something dragging underneath. An assistant stands ready to steal valuables from your vehicle or wallet while you step outside to inspect it.
Stay alert and use discretion. At first notice from a stranger, always direct your truck into an area that receives bright light from street lighting or security camera surveillance before leaving your car. Close your vehicle doors and keep all valuables hidden.
Fake Roadside Assistance
Imposters work with fake roadside assistance outfits that use fake uniforms and official service vehicles to gain victims’ trust. They’ll “fix” your car and then charge exorbitant fees without consent.
If stranded, contact your insurance company or an approved roadside assistance organization. Authentic assistance programs verify their identification before giving customers their initial cost estimate.
The Gas Can Ruse
A seemingly stranded individual holding a gas can at the side of the road asks for money to “get home.” The Gas Can Ruse remains common even though some stranded motorists deserve help. Scammers exploit driver compassion with this fraudulent tactic.
If someone reports they need transportation money, assist by dialing a tow service or contacting a nearby gas station. This support brings relief to honest folks who need it while criminals continue to search for new targets.
The “Bump and Rob” Scheme
A seemingly innocuous bumper tap turns dangerous when you become distracted and scammers steal your belongings. When your vehicle receives a tap, pull over into a safe, well-populated area.
Assess vehicle damage while keeping doors locked so that strangers cannot get too close to you. Professional authorities need to be documented by law enforcement following the incident.
Fake Tow Truck Operators
Unregistered tow trucks run by scammers patrol areas where accidents frequently occur to offer tow services under false insurance pretenses. During this fraudulent process, scammers tow cars to unauthorized repair facilities and demand inflated payments before release.
Stick to towing operations available with your insurer or businesses that show clear proof of reliability. Any towing service skepticism should prompt you to ask for official ID evidence before the service activation.
Hidden Parking Lot Fees
You park in what looks like a free lot, only to return and find someone demanding a cash fee to “avoid towing.” Uninformed tourists make easy marks for scammers who exploit local parking rules people fail to recognize.
Check parking rules or find authorized payment machines before departing your vehicle. Do not pay when approached for a fee, and contact parking enforcement to confirm the claim.
“Found a Problem Under the Hood” Scam
Emergency-focused mechanics diagnose fake severe mechanical failures that demand immediate attention. They will compel you to pay for extraneous services that represent nonexistent dilemmas.
Multiple mechanic consultations can protect against fraudulent repairs when you feel uneasy about quotes. Licensed technicians maintain their certifications while dedicating time to explaining vehicle problems and appropriate maintenance.
The Over-Friendly Gas Station Attendant
Have you encountered an attendant filling your tank who rejects your payment card as malfunctioning? After falsely charging your card, they urge cash payment before making off with your money. The scam operates using card skimming devices.
Secure your card with active oversight when making payments, and choose protected payment solutions. Contact your bank immediately to freeze your account and report fraud whenever your card displays problems.
Emergency “Family Member” Plea
Someone approaches in distress, saying they need money to reach their sick relative. These heart-tugging stories lead to many people falling victim to scams.
Your gut instinct should guide you to deliver assistance through phone calls to authorities or help the legitimate victim get to crisis response services instead. People who represent legitimate cases will value your assistance.
The Staged Roadblock
A team constructs temporary roadblocks while driving and approaches thereafter, demanding payment for removal. This strategy functions optimally when applied in remote locations that experience minimal vehicle movement.
When encountering similar scenarios, prepare to stop your vehicle several feet away from others. If you are uncertain about authenticity, immediately drive backward with care or seek help from emergency services.
“Hit-and-Run Evidence” Extortion
A con artist may damage their car and claim you hit them earlier, presenting supposedly valid “evidence” (like paint marks matching your vehicle). These fraudsters will then ask for money to keep law enforcement from getting involved.
Before starting any trip, always capture photographic evidence of your car’s current state. Quickly disproving scam claims becomes possible through prepared preventive actions.
The Pet Distraction Scheme
A dog or child “accidentally” runs in front of your car, causing you to slam the brakes. As you get out of the car, people show up, telling you their child almost got hurt because of your negligence and asking you to pay them for keeping quiet.
If you are in this scenario, stay calm until the police arrive to handle the situation. In valid incidents, people usually include witnesses who support filing a police report.
Fake Construction Workers
Youths acting as construction workers may direct your vehicle into a hidden area while stating the forwarding road is closed. When they stop you, they either ask for payment or conduct a robbery.
Unavoidable compliance requires checking construction signs and understanding which notifications are officially authorized because fake signs lead to unauthorized stops. Under suspicious circumstances, steer clear of entering unaccompanied roads to protect yourself.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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