It is precisely this moment of distraction when scammers spring into action…
“Money brings money,” says a popular proverb, which criminals are exploiting with great precision these days to lure their victims. Such is the case with this new and well-conceived scam. Upon arriving at a parking lot, possibly one of the large ones in a shopping mall or supermarket, the driver finds a 50-euro note on the windshield, under the windshield wiper. It is a counterfeit note, but, not knowing this, who would resist picking it up? Thus ends a trap, because the scammers, who are hiding nearby, spring into action, robbing the hapless victim of the personal belongings previously left in the car, if not the car itself.
The technique is very simple. Criminals, in large public parking lots, such as those near shopping malls and supermarkets, or in busy shopping areas, choose their target, mainly drivers or couriers, and place a counterfeit 50-euro note under the windshield wiper. The victim of the fraud returns to the vehicle, gets into the car as usual, puts personal belongings inside and starts the car, but when he notices the note and then gets out of the car to pick it up, the heist occurs.
It is precisely this moment of distraction that the scammers spring into action. They sneak in to steal valuables left on the seat or, in the worst-case scenario, drive away in the car. Police recommend taking a few precautions to avoid falling prey to these scams. Do not get out of your car if you notice a suspicious banknote or object on the windshield after getting in. Another tip is to start the car and drive away to a safe place away from the parking lot to check the money on the windshield. Only then should you turn off the engine, get out of the car, lock the doors and check the banknotes, which turn out to be counterfeit.