Most Americans can agree that driving can be stressful enough as it is without having to worry about being scammed. Unfortunately, though, some people take advantage of drivers, especially when they’re in unfamiliar areas or caught off guard.
Here are some of the most common roadside scams drivers in the US need to be aware of so they can stay safe and protect their wallets.
The “Flat Tire” Helper
Starting things off with a particularly famous roadside scam, imagine you pull over with a flat tire, and someone immediately shows up offering help. Yes, it might seem like good fortune, but in reality, this is sometimes a setup. Shockingly, the scammer might distract you while stealing valuables from your car or charge an outrageous fee for their assistance. Therefore, if you didn’t call for help, it’s always best to be cautious.
Fake Accident Claims
Another common scam involves a driver intentionally causing a minor accident, only to blame you for the damage. They might claim you rear-ended them or sideswiped their car and demand cash on the spot to avoid calling insurance. Unfortunately, this tactic preys on drivers who don’t want the hassle of filing a claim, making its success rates surprisingly high.
Gas Can Request
You might see someone stranded on the side of the road holding a gas can and asking for money to fill it. Sure, some of these situations are genuine, but many are not. Scammers often use this ploy to prey on the kindness of strangers, collecting cash without ever needing gas. So, instead of handing over money, we’d recommend offering to call for help or direct them to the nearest gas station.
“Out of Gas” Emergency
Similar to the gas can scam, some scammers claim they’ve run out of gas and ask you to buy fuel for them. Outrageously, they might even use a fake sob story to make their plea more convincing. Once again, though, they’re just looking for money and aren’t actually in need, so be vigilant!
Fake Tow Truck Services
If your car breaks down, a tow truck might appear seemingly out of nowhere–how convenient! Not so fast…while it could be a coincidence, some tow truck drivers are part of a scam. They’ll tow your car to a shop with inflated prices or hold it until you pay a hefty fee.
You won’t want to get yourself stuck with such a scam, so always call a trusted tow company yourself, and avoid accepting unsolicited help from random tow trucks. It really is that simple to avoid.
Distracting Good Samaritan
Sometimes, a scammer will flag you down, pretending to be a good Samaritan, often warning you about an issue with your car. Meanwhile, as you’re distracted, their partner might steal items from your vehicle or even your car itself! Obviously, you won’t want this to happen to you, so if someone approaches you with a warning, lock your doors and roll down your window only slightly.
The “Stranded Family” Story
Here in the U.S., it’s surprisingly common to see “stranded family scams.” This is precisely what it sounds like; you’ll see a family by the roadside holding a sign that says they need money for food or travel, as they’re stuck.
Obviously, some of these situations are real, so you shouldn’t just ignore them. However, bear in mind that some instances are elaborate scams. The “family” might be part of a larger group that rotates locations to avoid suspicion.
Fake Damage Claims
Believe it or not, some scammers target parked cars, pretending you hit them when you pull out of a space or driveway. They’ll point out pre-existing damage on their vehicle and insist you pay for it immediately, which is incredibly audacious. It might seem excessive, but to protect yourself, always inspect your car and theirs before moving, and document everything with photos. If needed, involve the police to sort out the situation.
Windshield Repair Scam
At gas stations or parking lots, you might feel fortunate enough to have someone approach you, claiming your windshield has a chip or crack they can fix on the spot. Stop right there–they’re probably going to offer a “free” repair covered by your insurance, only to bill you or your provider for unnecessary work. Always verify repairs with your insurance company and avoid on-the-spot fixes unless you initiate the request, and you should be all good.
Overpriced Roadside Products
While driving, you might see someone selling items like bottled water, flowers, or trinkets at inflated prices, which seems innocent enough. In reality, though, these sellers often prey on drivers’ sympathy or convenience, charging far more than the product is worth. If you want to support local vendors, check their pricing first or buy from a trusted source.
Brake Light Warning
Always watch out for the “brake light warning” scam, where a driver might flag you down, claiming your brake lights aren’t working. While you’re checking, they may try to steal from your car or offer “help” for a fee. If someone alerts you to a problem, thank them and drive to a safe place to check your lights or visit a repair shop instead of handling it roadside.
The “Police” Shakedown
This might sound too shocking to believe, but some scammers are ballsy enough to pose as police officers, typically claiming to be driving unmarked cars. They’ll pull drivers over for fake violations, demanding immediate payment for the supposed offense.
Always be wary in such situations; if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of the stop, ask to see identification or call local authorities for confirmation. Also, remember that legitimate officers will never ask for on-the-spot cash payments.
Bump-and-Rob
This scam involves a light tap on your car from behind, prompting you to pull over to assess the damage. While you’re distracted, the scammer or an accomplice may rob you or your vehicle…yes, really. If this happens, stay in your car with the doors locked and call the police to handle the situation, as getting involved just isn’t worth the risk.
Overfriendly Strangers
In general, it’s wise to be cautious around overly friendly strangers, especially at gas stations, rest stops, or other roadside locations. You might find that they strike up a conversation and offer to help you with directions or a car issue. It should go without saying that not every friendly face is a scammer, but it’s important to stay alert, as they may be trying to distract you while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Fake Charity Collections
If you live in a big city, you’ve no doubt seen how, at stop lights or parking lots, someone might approach you with a clipboard or collection box, claiming to raise money for charity. In rare cases, these are genuine, but most instances are scams designed to tug at your heartstrings.
At the end of the day, most charities won’t operate from the roadside, so always research charities before donating and avoid handing over cash to people you don’t know.
Phony Repair Assistance
If you’re unlucky enough to be in a situation where your car breaks down on the road, a stranger might offer to help fix it but then claim they need money upfront for parts or tools. Once they have your cash, they disappear without actually helping–the cheek! Thankfully, this scam is easy to avoid–simply rely on trusted roadside assistance or wait for someone you’ve contacted yourself.
Card Skimming at Gas Stations
Last but not least, it’s really quite shocking just how many gas pumps are used as targets for card-skimming devices. Essentially, such devices steal your card information when you pay, and it’s often impossible to tell the difference between them and official card machines!
Obviously, scammers use these to access your funds without you knowing. So, to protect yourself, use secure payment methods like chip readers or contactless payments whenever possible, and inspect the pump for tampered card slots before inserting your card.