Three Car-Related Scams and How to Shut Them Down

Scammers often target drivers—new grads heading out on their first solo trips, families traveling for summer vacations, or anyone distracted behind the wheel. These schemes are simple and believable, often triggering quick emotional reactions—fear, urgency, or embarrassment. But with a little awareness, you can shut them down.

Fake Warranty and Robocall Rip-Offs

You receive a call—sometimes automated—from a company claiming your car’s “extended warranty” is about to expire. It might even know your model and name. Press 1, they say, to renew and avoid lapse.

Here’s what’s really happening:
These are classic scam calls, designed to steal personal and financial info—or enroll you in overpriced, dubious coverage.

How to shut it down:

• Immediately hang up; don’t press any keys.
• If in doubt about your warranty, contact your dealership or insurance company directly—don’t rely on an unsolicited call.

QR-Code (“Quishing”) Parking Scams

You park, scan a posted QR code, and proceed to pay—as you normally would. But scammers have doctored or replaced the code with one that leads to a fake payment site. You enter your card details; they take your money—and your data.

Evidence is growing rapidly:
A recent UK report showed parking-related QR scams more than doubled in 2024, with 502 reported cases in just the first quarter of 2025 according to theguardian.com.

How to shut it down:

• Only scan QR codes from official sources or trusted parking apps.
• If you see a sticker or code that looks pasted over the original, do not scan it.
• Whenever possible, opt for paying at a meter with cash or card instead.

Roadside “Helpers” Who Aren’t

You’re stalled with a tire issue or a minor breakdown. A stranger pulls over, offers help—and then suggests something’s wrong with your brakes, your phone, or your radiator. They may demand payment or try to get your info—and sometimes their presence is a distraction so others can snoop around your car or belongings.

While there’s less formal data on these interactions, anecdotal reports and consumer alerts warn that emotion-driven roadside scenarios are a common tactic scammers use to gain trust—and your wallet.

How to shut it down:

• Call your insurance or AAA instead of accepting unsolicited help.
• Stay inside your locked vehicle unless you genuinely feel safe.
• Never allow someone access to your personal info—or your car’s open hood.

What You Can Do Today

• Save official roadside assistance numbers (AAA, insurance provider, or your car’s help line).
• Teach new drivers, grads, or regular travelers to:
  • Hang up on unsolicited warranty calls.
  • Pay only through official channels—not suspicious QR codes.
  • Refuse unsolicited roadside offers.
• Report any scam attempts (ponder suspicious calls, texts, or scanned sites) using reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Conclusion

Scammers prey on moments of distraction, stress, and unfamiliarity. But you don’t have to be their next target. With clear habits, thoughtful decisions, and shared knowledge—you can take the wheel back.

Protect the ones you care about by passing this info along to anyone new behind the wheel.

Prepared, not paranoid. That’s our goal.

Stay safe. Be ready. Online and off.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this material. However, Labbe Media, LLC does not assume liability for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Viewers are encouraged to verify any information before making decisions or taking actions based on it.