Spanish Police Warn of New Car Theft Tactic: Beware the ‘Cash Bait’ on Your Windshield
Spain’s National Police (Policía Nacional) has recently issued a public safety alert about a new type of theft that uses fake money as bait. Criminals often operate in the parking lots of large shopping centers, placing cash on a vehicle’s windshield to lure the driver out, thereby creating an opportunity for theft.
How the ‘Windshield Cash’ Scam Works
This scam is carefully orchestrated. Thieves typically select outdoor parking lots of large malls or supermarkets as their hunting grounds. They wait for a driver to park, place their belongings (like a handbag or phone) inside, and prepare to leave. Taking advantage of the driver’s blind spot or a moment of distraction, they quickly tuck a banknote, usually a fake €50 bill, under the windshield wiper. When the driver spots this “windfall” and gets out to retrieve it, an accomplice hiding nearby springs into action. Their goal is to snatch any unlocked valuables from the car. In some cases, if the driver has left the engine running, they will steal the entire vehicle.
Beware the Related ‘Fake Scratch’ Scam
In addition to the cash bait, the police have also revealed a related scam: the “fake car scratch.” In this scenario, criminals will deliberately scratch a parked car or damage its side mirror and leave a note with a fake phone number, pretending to be the responsible party looking to settle the insurance claim. When the victim calls the number, the scammers will trick them into clicking a link sent via SMS. This link usually leads to a phishing website or contains malware, which, once clicked, can compromise the victim’s personal banking information, account passwords, and other sensitive data.
Safety Recommendations from the Police
Faced with these persistent threats, the Spanish National Police offers the following key advice to all drivers:
- Stay Alert and Do Not Exit Immediately: If you notice a banknote or any note on your windshield after starting your vehicle, the first rule is not to turn off the engine and get out to check.
- Lock Your Doors and Drive Away: You should keep your car doors locked and drive away from your current spot.
- Inspect in a Safe Location: Drive to a well-lit, busy, or secure area with security personnel before stopping to inspect the item.
- Report to the Police: If you confirm you’ve encountered a scam or notice any suspicious individuals or behavior, immediately call the Spanish police (e.g., 091) for assistance.
