When you drive across America, it offers beautiful scenery and the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it’s not without risks. There are all sorts of things you could see along your road trip, but one thing you may encounter is clever scams that are designed to exploit you and your passengers. Scammers often prey on your kindness or inexperience. Knowing their tactics will help you stay alert, protect your belongings, and enjoy a safer journey. So, let’s take a look at some devious roadside scams you might come across while traveling across America.
The Fake Breakdown Scheme
You might spot someone who looks like they’re stranded on the side of the road, waving for help or standing near their seemingly broken-down car. Sometimes what you see is true, but scammers often stage these scenarios to appeal to your kind heart. They may ask you for something like money to pay for gas, or in some instances, they’ll use the opportunity to distract you while stealing your belongings.
Some of these people even work in groups ensure you’re outnumbered or distracted. If you want to help, stay in your car, keep the doors locked and call roadside assistance for them instead of offering money or stepping out.
The “Accidental” Bump and Blame
Imagine driving along when you feel a small bump on your car from behind. You pull over, assuming it’s a minor accident, only to face an angry driver blaming you for the collision! This scam often involves someone making up damage or faking injuries. The scammer will probably demand cash to settle whatever the problem is. Some of them will even threaten to call the police to intimidate you into handing over your money.
This is why you should always take your time to document the situation. If you photograph the vehicles and collect their information, you have evidence for the police and your insurance company. Never hand over money on the spot!
The Flat Tire “Helper”
At rest stops or parking lots, scammers might damage your tires or just remove their caps. When you discover the issue, they will conveniently appear and offer your assistance. While you’re focussing on fixing the problem, they—or an accomplice— will steal valuables from your vehicle or demand money for helping. If you don’t want this to happen to you, just check your vehicle before you decide to leave, and always stay near your car if you think there’s something wrong.
The Gas Can Gambit
This classic scam has a person carrying a gas can who approaches drivers with a tearful story about running out of fuel nearby. They’ll ask for a bit of money to get to the nearest station, but they’ll try and appeal to your emotions by using details about their children in the car or being late for an important interview.
The Broken Windshield Trick
After parking your car, you return to find your windshield has been cracked or damaged. A random person approaches, claiming they’re a repair specialist who can fix it on the spot for a small fee. In many cases, the damage was caused by the very person who offered to help fix the issue!
The “repair” they do is often really badly done, so just report the damage to your insurance company and have your car looked at by a proper repair shop. If someone pressures you to act immediately, that probably means you shouldn’t trust them.
The Phony Parking Attendant
In touristy places, sometimes there are fake parking attendants who are looking to make some quick cash. They might look the part, but they might just be telling cars to park in places that are free whilst telling the drivers they need to pay. After you’ve paid, they run away, and you may later find a ticket on your car, or worse, your car towed.
To avoid this scam, always check for official parking signs and payment systems. If you’re unsure, verify the rules with nearby businesses before doing anything else.
The Emergency Phone Borrower
Picture someone approaching you at a gas station or rest stop, saying that their phone has died and they urgently need yours to call someone like their family or a tow truck. While it seems harmless to lend them your phone, they might run away with it or use it to access your private information. If you think they aren’t lying, just offer to dial the number yourself and keep the phone in your hand while they speak.
The Loose Load Fraud
Scammers in trucks overloaded with lots of stuff like building materials might drive ahead of you and intentionally let something fall into the road. When you stop your car, they will blame you for following too closely, or they might try to offer “help” by fixing the situation for cash. This is just another plot that can leave you paying for repairs twice. If you always maintain a safe distance from vehicles and document any incidents thoroughly, you should be safe from this elaborate scam.
The Fake Hitchhiker
While hitchhiking has a long history of mutual benefit, some hitchhikers have really bad intentions. A scammer might act like they need help, claiming their car broke down or they’ve been stranded. When they get in your vehicle, they might steal valuables, or even become aggressive. If you feel compelled to help, why don’t you contact authorities or roadside services instead of letting strangers into your car? Your safety should always come first.
The Unofficial Roadside Vendor
You might see a pop-up stall on the side of the road selling snacks or souvenirs at some great prices. Some of these vendors are trying to sell fake goods. They may also pressure you into buying with stories about supporting local families or businesses. Be careful making purchases from these types of sellers, and stick to reputable stores or roadside stands with clear permits.
The Impersonating Officer
Few things are more scary than being pulled over by the police! Fake officers use this fear to make you give over cash, often making up rules, saying you broke them, and insisting on paying to avoid further trouble. Real police officers won’t ask for roadside cash fines. Always ask them for their identification, stay in a public place, and call the local police department to verify their credentials if something feels off!
The Flashing Lights Ruse
While driving, you notice a car behind you flashing its headlights loads. Thinking something’s wrong with your car, you pull over, only to have the driver approach acting like they’re trying to offer you help. When you get out, they may rob you or carjack your vehicle! If someone signals you in this way, continue driving to a safe, well-lit area, such as a gas station or police station, before stopping. If you’re in a public place, you should be safe.
The Staged Medical Emergency
Seeing someone lying by the roadside or appearing in medical distress is a hard thing to ignore. Scammers exploit this and make it look like they need urgent medical help to lure drivers into stopping. Once you step out to help, they or their accomplices may rob you or steal from your vehicle. Instead of stopping, call 911 immediately and report the situation!
The Too-Good-to-Be-True Mechanic
When your car breaks down, the last thing you need is a scam. Unfortunately, some fake mechanics go up and down the highways looking for stranded drivers. They’ll offer to fix your vehicle but either charge really big rates for minor repairs or sabotage it further to make even more money from you.
To protect yourself from a scam like this, only use trusted roadside assistance people and never feel pressured to agree to repairs without clear details.
The Sob Story Beggar
At stoplights or rest areas, someone might come up to your car with a really sad story about needing money for food, shelter, or transportation. While their plight may sound genuine, lots of these people are seasoned scammers who want to take advantage of you. If you want to help, direct them to organizations that can help them out rather than giving them your cash.
The Unsolicited Window Cleaner
While waiting at a red light, someone suddenly starts cleaning your windshield without asking. They may use dirty water or low-quality tools, leaving your window way worse than it was before. Afterward, they’ll demand money and sometimes get aggressive if you refuse. Keep your windows up and politely decline if approached because this can be a dangerous scam.
The Distraction Duo
At busy rest stops or gas stations, a stranger might get talking to you and for directions or make small talk. Meanwhile, their partner sneaks into your car or steals items nearby. To stop this from happening to you, keep your doors locked and your things with you, even during brief stops. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times!
The Roadside Obstacle Trick
You’re driving along when you encounter something blocking the road, forcing you to stop. As you look around, scammers appear, pretending to help while secretly targeting your valuables. If you come across any obstacle in the road, always remain in your car and call for assistance! Always avoid engaging with people who look shady, and always prioritize your safety.