Scamsters are consistently devising new tricks to defraud unsuspecting Malaysians. Also, the issue of scams is a political hot potato in Malaysia and definitely road scam is not an exception.
According to Criminologist Dr. Geshina Mat Saat, everyone is considered a potential victim of scams.
Even though public awareness campaigns are conducted yet many among us continue to fall victim to road scams. In order to avoid becoming a victim of a road scam, it is significant to be familiar with the type of road scams by not turning a blind eye towards this matter.
Read the full article here.
This can sound alarming but proper measures should be taken by the public to prevent any untoward incidents. Here are some common road scams that should be taken into consideration to protect yourself from losing any valuables, injuries or near-death experiences.
Road Scam 1: Tow Truck Scams
Scenario
Tow truck scam is known to be the most common road scam among the others out there. Usually, the scammers would leave debris or metal steel/nails/glass shards on the road and wait for any potential victims. Unfortunate drivers who have fallen into their trap could lose control of their car and resulting the car to skid and hit the divider or causing the tyres to be punctured.
The scammers would then pretend they are the towing specialist and arrive at the spot just minutes after the occurrence of the incident. They would then offer and request to provide towing service at an exorbitant price ranging from RM1,000-RM5,000. The scammers would use their sweet and cunning tactics to persuade and pressure you to use their towing service especially when your car is obstructing the traffic.
You would then have no choice but to agree to their request. The scammers would then secretly tow your car to their own workshop instead of the workshop approved by your insurer or bringing to the police station. They would later compel you to pay them the money prior to releasing your car.
Sounds scary right?
What should you do if you were in this situation?
- Do not panic as this would make the situation worse and complicated – the scammers would easily take advantage of this.
- Firmly inform them that you would only tow your car to a workshop approved by your insurer.
- Do not accept their request no matter how much you are pressured or persuaded, instead lock yourself in the car.
- Jot down the tow truck’s number and lodge a police report if the situation gets out of hand.
Apparently, the tow truck scammers have been found deploying these similar tactics at different areas such as Ulu Yam, Subang Jaya and Karak Highways besides Genting Highlands. Do be extra cautious if you are travelling to these places.
The best way to avoid such circumstances is by calling your own insurer to appoint a tow truck as road truck scammers would request more money from victims after towing your car.
Road Scam 2: Forgetting to Close Fuel Cap Excuse
Scenario
For this case, the scammers on motorbikes will approach you during your drive as a trick. When they have rode up next to you, they would point and indicate that you have forgotten to close the fuel cap. When you have pulled over your car, these scammers will attempt to rob you. Besides that, some scammers apply other tactics to stop the victims by faking an accident.
What should you do if you were in this situation?
- Do not stop your car immediately when the motorist attempts to alert you that your fuel cap is open.
- Slow down and try to take a quick glance at your side mirror to check your fuel cap when the surrounding condition is safe.
- Drive to the nearest petrol station to verify your opened fuel cap.
- Avoid stopping at an isolated or secluded spot when checking your fuel cap.
Road Scam 3: Smoking Wheel Road Scams
Scenario
This road scam usually involves a motorcyclist and a car mechanic working together. The motorcyclist would ride up beside your car and alert you towards the car’s tyre. The motorcyclist would then point out that your wheel is emitting smoke and suggesting you to pull over your car to the side of the road immediately. The motorcyclist would pretend to help you to call a mechanic to further inspect the condition of the wheel.
The mechanic will secretly disable the braking system during the inspection process when finding the source of the smoke. He will then inform you that the brakes are malfunctioned by testing in front of you. Also, the mechanic will offer to provide a spare part and charge at an exorbitant price once all the installation process has been completed.
What should you do if you were in this situation?
- Do not panic as this would make the situation worse and complicated.
- Do not accept their request and stay inside your car.
- Take a quick glance at the condition of the wheel.
- Immediately, call your insurance company to notify them about the car’s wheel condition as you will get a proper inspection and free towing services too.
Check out the news article here to know more about this scam.
Road Scam 4: Fake Road Accident Scams
Scenario
This type of scam happens more commonly when you are in the middle of reversing or parking your car. To clarify, the scammers will intentionally appear so close behind your car when you are reversing making it seem like you have hit into them.
When inspecting the damage, your car would barely have any damages or dents while the scammer’s car appears to be in a worse condition. The scammer will blame you for the damage and compel you to follow them to the police station which the scammer allegedly found to be having a secret connection with the policemen. As a consequence, you would end up paying a summon.
Not just that, the scammer will pressure you to cover up the high cost for the damage repair or replacement of his/her car. The workshop of the scammer’s choice is usually involved in this scam too.
What should you do if you were in this situation?
- Remain calm and avoid getting into an argument with the scammers.
- Go to the nearest police station but not the one they suggested or insisted.
- Always be alert and meticulous with surrounding when reversing or parking your car.
Road Scam 5: Emergency Brake Scams
Scenario
Most Malaysian drivers are aware that whoever hits a vehicle from the back is always claimed to be at fault. The scammers usually will indirectly taunt you by speeding up and slamming on their brakes numerous times until you actually crash their car. Even though this type of road scam is quite risky, the scammers would do it on purpose to extort money for the repair or replacement costs and sometimes for medical costs.
What should you do if you were in this situation?
- Always be alert with the surrounding.
- Drive slowly and increase the distance between the front car.
- If the scammer is found to be constantly harassing you, drive to the nearest police station to lodge a police report.
- Do not speed up to try to shake them off as this would worsen the situation.
Do take note of these common road scams we’ve rounded up along with the best tips to avoid and deal with these circumstances. A quote to remember, when awareness and alertness become integral parts of our character, our ignorance and fears will gradually start dying out.
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We surely hope this article was informative and insightful to you. You are more likely to have a safe driving experience with these common road scams in mind.
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