Irish-style scam, rearview mirror scam... watch out for scams at motorway service stations

Many French people will be heading off to their vacation destinations this Monday, August 18th. Bison Futé is seeing red for those returning to the Southeast. So watch out for scams at motorway service stations. When driving, it's important to take breaks, at least every two hours. But beware of scammers lurking, especially during the summer holidays.

Several types of scams have been identified, for example the "Irish scam ." One or more people approach you, explain that they are Irish, speak in English, and explain that they have been robbed.

They then ask you for a sum of money, promising to send you a wire transfer to reimburse you. They may give you an address or even sign an acknowledgment of debt, but everything is obviously false.

The scam has been reported in particular at rest areas in the Centre region, on the A10, A71, and A85. The best thing to do if this happens to you: call 17. If it really is a family in distress, they will be taken care of by the police or gendarmerie.

There's also the "rearview mirror scam ." The Cantal gendarmerie alerted the public to this scam, which is on the rise. The modus operandi is always the same. The scammer accuses you of having hit his car without realizing it and of having broken his rearview mirror.

He will then pretend to call his insurance company, which will actually be his accomplice, who will exaggerate the repair costs. The first scammer then offers to settle amicably by paying a sum in cash, to pay less and avoid a penalty with the insurance. This is where the scam begins.

Elderly people are the main target. Stay vigilant and never pay cash. Offer to make a report, take photos of the vehicle, and call your own insurance company. Chances are, that will be enough to scare them off.

Finally, there's the "Italian scam." You're about to leave at the end of your break, and you realize your tire is flat. Seeing you in trouble, someone offers to help. But it's actually a con artist, tasked with distracting you while an accomplice retrieves your bag, wallet, and other valuables from inside the car.

Remember to lock your car, even if you're nearby, and don't trust it, even if you think it's well-intentioned. In the case of a flat tire, the police recommend calling a tow truck rather than taking your belongings out at the risk of having them stolen.