Police issue urgent warning over cruel new car accident scam targeting elderly drivers

A small knock against your car is an unlucky moment on an otherwise ordinary drive, the kind of thing you’d be frustrated at, deal with and move on from. Recently, however for dozens of drivers, that same small knock has turned into a nightmare that emptied their bank accounts.

An “accidental” collision

Officers from Portugal’s Public Security Police (PSP) have flagged a new twist on the fake traffic accident scam, after more than 50 complaints landed on their desks in just one single month reporting cumulative losses exceeding €200,000 . Criminals stage a minor knock between two vehicles on purpose, choosing a moment and location that allows them to approach a driver directly. Greater Lisbon has seen the bulk of reported cases so far.

Once the bump has happened, fraudsters turn hostile and aggressive fast. Loud accusations and a confrontational manner are used to fluster the driver, who is told they caused the collision and now faces losing points off their licence or a lengthy insurance dispute. Anxiety builds quickly, and that’s exactly the goal the scammers want.

How the card swap catches drivers out

A supposed way out gets offered almost immediately, choose to pay a modest sum on the spot and the whole matter disappears. Scammers carry a portable card reader or a phone rigged to take contactless payments, making the transaction feel routine rather than suspicious.

Real theft happens the instant a PIN gets entered. While attention stays fixed on the keypad, an accomplice swaps the genuine bank card for a near-identical fake one. Scammers then leave the scene and use the authentic card to withdraw huge sums before anyone realises what’s missing, let alone manages to freeze the account.

Older drivers targeted deliberately

According to the PSP victims aged between 70 and 90 who were driving alone make up most of the cases recorded. Criminals appear to be selecting older motorists specifically, betting on hesitation, politeness and unfamiliarity with this particular con working in their favour.

What police want drivers to do

Handing a bank card to anyone else should never happen, regardless of pressure applied or excuses given, officers insist. Suspicious situations call for an immediate call to police rather than a hurried payment.

Anyone caught out is urged to note whatever details they can, including the suspects’ appearance, vehicle model and registration plate, then report the incident without delay. Families are also being encouraged to pass this warning on to elderly parents and grandparents and friends. A five-minute conversation now could prevent a much costlier one later.