Scammers are everywhere these days and have even turned the nation’s roadsides into prime hunting grounds for their unscrupulous schemes. From fake breakdowns to staged accidents, these cons are designed to manipulate, distract, and steal from unsuspecting drivers. Some play on your sense of sympathy, while others use intimidation or confusion to catch you off guard.
Knowing how to spot these tricks can make all the difference in keeping you, your belongings, and your car safe. Here are the common scams to watch out for and avoid.
Pretending to Need Help with a “Broken Down” Car
Beware of common roadside scams where someone pretends their car has broken down. They will park on the shoulder with their hood up, often waving frantically for help. Once you pull over, they’ll start to weave a yarn about running out of gas or needing a tow. Once you’re distracted, they may rob you or ask for cash and disappear.
Avoid this scam by calling roadside assistance or the police to report a stranded vehicle rather than stopping.
Flagging You Down with Fake Emergencies
This time two scammers will flag you down to tell you they’ve spotted a problem with your car. One will distract you while an accomplice steals from your car, or they may demand cash for unnecessary repairs. In this situation, keep driving to a safe, well-lit area or a busy gas station before checking your vehicle. Always stay in your car and lock your doors until you feel secure.
Offering Bogus Repairs on the Spot
A stranger approaches you in a parking lot or at a roadside stop, claiming they noticed an issue with your car. They say your brake light is out, or your tire looks dangerously low, and offer to “fix” it right then. Once they start, they’ll either damage your car further to make the problem seem worse or demand an absurd fee for their fake service.
Asking for a Ride with a Sob Story
Some scammers play on your good nature by claiming they’re stranded and need a ride to the next town, gas station, or even a hospital. Once in your car, they may steal your belongings, refuse to leave, or become threatening. Instead of giving a ride, offer to call a taxi or the authorities on their behalf.
Dropping Nails or Debris to Cause a Flat Tire
Crafty scammers have been known to deliberately scatter nails, screws, or other sharp objects on the road to cause flat tires. When you stop to inspect or change the tire, they’ll conveniently show up to “help” but use the opportunity to steal from you or charge an exorbitant fee for their service.
If you get a flat tire, drive slowly to a safe, well-lit area, if possible, before stopping. Never let a stranger handle your car unless you’ve called a trusted service or roadside assistance provider.
Staging Fake Accidents
Staged accidents are a sneaky scam that targets unsuspecting drivers. Typically, they brake suddenly in front of you, forcing a minor rear-end collision or sideswiping your car, and blame you for the incident. They may demand cash on the spot, intimidating you into paying for something that wasn’t your fault.
If you’re in any type of accident, stay calm, take photos of the damage and the scene, and call law enforcement to file an official report.
Pretending to Be Stranded with No Gas
Someone holding a gas can might wave you down, claiming they’ve run out of fuel and need cash to fill their tank. While this may sound like a small favor, it’s often a con to get quick cash from generous drivers. If you want to help, offer to bring gas back to them or call roadside assistance instead of handing over money.
Creating a Fake Medical Emergency
Here’s another trick designed to pull at your heartstrings. Someone pretending to have a medical emergency, such as chest pain, tries to get you to stop your car. Once you approach to offer help, they or an accomplice might rob you. While it’s natural to want to assist, it’s safer to call 911 from your vehicle and describe the situation to emergency responders.
Selling “Discounted” Goods on the Roadside
Be wary of people offering to sell high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or tools at unbeatable prices from the trunk of their car. These “bargains” are most likely counterfeit, stolen, or broken. Avoid purchasing anything from roadside sellers, no matter how good the deal sounds.
Offering a Fake Prize or Gift
Someone approaches you at a parking lot or gas station, claiming you’ve won a prize, such as a gift card, vacation, or electronics. To claim your “prize,” they’ll ask for a small fee, as well as your credit card information or personal details.
Legitimate giveaways don’t require payments or sensitive information, so if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Faking Authority as a Police Officer
Impersonating law enforcement is a bold but common scam. A fake officer might pull you over with flashing lights or a badge and demand on-the-spot payment for a made-up violation. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of the person stopping you, stay in your locked car, keep your windows up, and call 911 to confirm their identity. Real officers will understand your caution.
Claiming to Be Lost and Asking for Directions
Often, these conmen work in pairs. One will approach you pretending to need help finding an address. While you’re focused on helping, their accomplice will grab valuables from your car. It’s best to keep your doors locked and offer to help with verbal directions through a small gap in your window.
Offering to Buy Your Car on the Spot
It may sound flattering if a complete stranger approaches you in a parking lot with an offer to buy your car on the spot, but it’s probably a scam. They might pay with counterfeit money or simply create a distraction while an accomplice steals from your vehicle. Legitimate buyers don’t approach people randomly or rush deals without proper paperwork.
Pretending to Be in a Dangerous Situation
Scammers often claim they’re fleeing abuse, a violent partner, or another threatening situation to gain your sympathy. They might ask for money, a ride, or your phone to “call for help.” While these stories can sound convincing, they’re often fabricated to exploit your kindness.
Offer to contact the police or a local shelter, but never give them cash, let them into your car, or hand over your phone.
Blocking the Road with Their Vehicle
It’s not unknown for brazen scammers to block part of the road, forcing drivers to slow down or stop. When you do, they will attempt to rob you or distract you while an accomplice snatches valuables. If you encounter a situation like this, don’t stop unless it’s absolutely necessary. Call authorities to report the obstruction.
Pretending to Be a Stranded Rideshare Driver
A scammer may pose as a stranded rideshare or delivery driver, claiming their app stopped working, they’re out of gas, or they’ve been locked out of their account. They might request cash to buy gas or ask to borrow your phone to call a fake support line. Once they have your phone, they can access personal information or simply run off with it.
If someone approaches you with this story, decline politely and offer to call the police on their behalf.