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Scammers’ tricks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Recently a trick has appeared in the Czech Republic that thieves originally used in the USA, but also in other European cities. It may be only a matter of time before it reaches Slovakia as well. Scammers have recently begun placing banknotes under windshield wipers. Unaware people are very happy and take the money, and here’s the catch.
How it works
It works very simply. Scammers go to parked cars in car parks at shopping centers and place banknotes behind the wiper on the windshield, usually worth 50 euros.
The driver leaves the unlocked car to pick up the banknote and at that moment the thief skillfully robs the car. Of course there are also those who first spot the banknote and only then sit in the car. That’s why scammers place the banknotes only on vehicles parked with the trunk facing outwards, where a person first loads shopping into the trunk or onto the back seats and only then sits behind the wheel.
In many cases this banknote is fake. The scammers’ main aim is for you to unlock the car, get in, start it and get out for the banknote. In this case they gain valuable seconds to carry out the theft. And believe me, seconds really are enough for them.
Police reports
These tactics are by no means made up. Proof includes confirmed police reports from officers in the USA and Russia. One woman was a participant in such an unpleasant scam. In another situation she would have immediately grabbed the money, but shortly before she had read a report about such scammers. She therefore quickly got into the car and drove away with the banknote flapping on the wiper. Her feeling that it was a scam was confirmed, because a car with dark windows immediately began following her. At home the woman discovered that the banknote was fake.
Watch out for scammers who use this technique. Always check your car before you get in. It is very important and can save you sorrow and problems associated with theft. If you see a banknote on the window, remember this article.
