In a statement, the PSP explains that in these cases, the scammers approach the victim when they are performing some maneuver, most often reversing, especially in large commercial parking areas, claim that they hit their car and demand immediate cash compensation for the damages, using manipulation and intimidation.

Reports of this type of case have increased and in the first quarter of this year, 111 have already been received, “which corresponds to around 58% of the total number of occurrences registered throughout 2024” (190).

The PSP explains that the victims, usually elderly people, vulnerable due to age, illness or economic fragility, end up being coerced into handing over sums of money through the use of intimidation and/or physical threats.

The victim may be approached immediately, when the victim is inside the vehicle, or when the victim has already started to walk away, in which case the suspect may be followed in another vehicle and the victim may be forced to stop, to understand what is happening.

The number of complaints in 2024 was more than double those registered in 2021 and the PSP says that 2025 should be a year of growth in this criminal phenomenon of fraud.

Sometimes, according to the security force, there are “situations in which there is no direct involvement of vehicles”, but “the suspect claims there has been an accident, in which the damage allegedly caused was physical or material”.

During the last four years, the PSP registered a total of 625 reports of this crime, which last year increased by 47% compared to 2023 (129).

If you experience situations like these, the PSP also advises you to retain as much information as possible about the alleged fraudsters, such as their physical characteristics (age, height, way of dressing and speaking), as well as information about the vehicles in which they are traveling and the characteristics of their companions, if applicable.