How Road Scammers Trick You: Clever Schemes of Deceptive Fraudsters

Discover who to call, what to document, and how to behave to avoid falling victim to staged car accidents.

Since the introduction of mandatory auto insurance (OSAGO), the number of road scammers has significantly decreased, especially after reforms requiring insurers to cover repair costs instead of lump-sum payouts. However, reports from various cities across Russia—from Ulyanovsk to Blagoveshchensk—highlight new extortion tactics emerging on the roads.

Scheme 1: “The Theatrical Pedestrian”

While driving calmly, a pedestrian suddenly darts onto the road and dramatically throws themselves onto your car’s hood. Shocked, you witness them feigning pain, accusing you of hitting them, and threatening license suspension or imprisonment.

The act may include showing off expensive watches or gadgets they claim were broken during the fall, then demanding instant compensation.

Sometimes an accomplice disguised as a police officer appears, escalating the situation by mentioning legal consequences but suggesting you settle privately. They target calm, solitary drivers, often in low-visibility areas away from city cameras.

How to Respond

• If you have a dashcam, inform the scammers—it usually deters them as their act won’t hold up on video.
• If no dashcam is available, start recording the incident on your phone immediately.
• Photograph the alleged victim, your vehicle’s position, any damages, skid marks, and road conditions (dry, wet, snowy).
• Locate witnesses who saw the incident and collect their contact information.
• Do not pay scammers; call the police right away.

Scheme 2: “Where’s the Money, Lebowski?”

You’re parked by your car when an angry individual approaches, accusing you of hitting their vehicle and fleeing. They’ve been tracking your movements and pick a location where you were genuinely present, such as a workplace or supermarket parking lot.

The supposed victim shows vehicle damage that matches your car’s existing scratches or dents. Sometimes they even pre-scratch your car with sandpaper to fabricate evidence. They threaten police involvement but offer to overlook the incident if you pay for repairs.

Occasionally, scammers file a police report claiming you fled the scene after hitting their car, providing your license plate number. Police then contact you, escalating the situation.

How to Respond

• Record the license plate number of the fake victim’s car.
• Photograph both vehicles and mention your intent to perform a forensic paint analysis to prove no collision occurred.
• If accompanied by a police officer, request to see their identification. Verify authenticity through local authorities if in doubt.
• If a case is opened, consult a car accident lawyer to prove the accident was staged.
• Never pay money; scammers will continue blackmailing you indefinitely.

Scheme 3: “Tailgate Trap”

While driving in the left lane, a car suddenly overtakes you and brakes sharply in front. Unable to avoid collision, you bump into their rear bumper. Traffic rules assign fault to the vehicle behind for failing to keep distance.

Scammers exploit this by deliberately causing rear-end collisions to claim insurance for damages they caused elsewhere.

Less aggressive fraudsters may reverse into your car at a stoplight and accuse you of hitting them.

How to Respond

• Do not leave the accident scene; leaving prematurely can be a criminal offense.
• Inform the scammer that under traffic regulation 2.7, sudden braking without cause is prohibited, making them liable.
• Gather witness statements with names and phone numbers.
• Call the police to file an official report and describe the aggressive behavior of the vehicle ahead.

Scheme 4: “The Sicilian Vendetta Whirlwind”

Driving in the left lane past trucks, a car tailgates you closely, aggressively signaling and gesturing for you to yield immediately. The driver’s behavior is emotionally charged and persistent.

Irritated, you move right nervously, only to collide with an accomplice hidden in your blind spot. Another variation involves a luxury car provoking you to swerve, causing you to hit an older vehicle on the right.

How to Respond

• Memorize license plates of suspicious vehicles pressuring or provoking you.
• Interview bystanders or other drivers who witnessed the cut-off; ask if they have dashcam footage.
• Report the incident and fleeing vehicle’s plate to the police.
• Consult legal experts to prove deliberate accident provocation.

Scheme 5: “Do I Look Like Someone with a Plan?”

An age-old scam still encountered by drivers: while driving, a plastic bottle, stone, or other object is thrown at your car from behind, mimicking a collision sound. You stop, and the scammer appears claiming you caused dents.

Some scammers even scratch your car as you exit to make the claim more convincing. Another version accuses you of hitting a pedestrian and fleeing. Though obvious to traffic experts, scammers rely on intimidation to extract quick cash, disappearing when police are mentioned.

How to Respond

• Record the scammer’s vehicle license plate.
• Pretend to call the police.
• If your car is damaged, genuinely call the police and file an accident report.
• If on a remote road at night, stay inside your locked car if no damage is present; otherwise, call the police immediately.

Save Money on Car Expenses with the Tinkoff Drive Card

The Tinkoff Drive card by Tinkoff Bank is designed for drivers to save on vehicle-related costs. It rewards points on all purchases, redeemable for any car services. Earn points on:

• 10% cashback on fuel and comprehensive insurance (CASCO);
• 10% at auto parts and repair shops like Auto-Podbor.rf and Remontista;
• 15% on all expenses at the Russian AutoMoto Club;
• 5% on spare parts, car services, car washes, parking, tolls, and fines;
• 1% on all other purchases.

Points can be redeemed for fuel at a rate of 1.5 points = 1 ruble, and for other auto services at 1 point = 1 ruble.

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