Tips to Avoid a Scam:

1. The Golden Rule
When an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Keep Personal Info Private
Never give your bank account, social security, or credit card numbers to anyone you don’t know and trust.

3. Avoid High Pressure Sales
Say no to any offer or deal that is only available right now.

4. Never Pay for a Prize
If you are offered a prize but are asked to pay a “processing fee” or “taxes in advance,”it is likely a scam. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to win a free prize.

If you’re still not sure whether it's a scam, call our Scam Hotline at (858) 715-1648.

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"Smoking Car" Scam

You are driving down the road and all of a sudden, the person in the car next to you is waving frantically for you to pull over. They claim your car is on fire. All too often, the target driver is a senior and the person frantically waving for you to stop is a scam artist who is ready and willing to scam the unsuspecting driver.

The scammers usually work in pairs. Once the victim pulls over to the side of the road, one scammer distracts the driver by asking them to “pop the hood,” while the other scammer starts a fire at the back of the car. The scammers then convince the victim that the car is damaged and requires repair.

The scammers will then claim to be mechanics who can fix the car immediately. The scammers will attempt to persuade the victim to drive to the nearest bank to withdraw anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, to pay for the instant repair.

If you find yourself in this situation, where someone claims your car is on fire, but your instrument panel does not indicate anything wrong and you cannot see any smoke or other evidence of a fire:

-DO NOT pull off to the side of the road.

-DO drive to the nearest populated area.

-DO call 911.

-DO NOT accompany a stranger to the bank.

-DO NOT withdraw money for immediate mechanical assistance—if you fear that there is something wrong with your car, have it looked at by a trusted mechanic.

This scam has been reported in several local areas including San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and Carlsbad. If you encounter this scam or know of anybody who has been victimized in this way, contact your local police department as soon as possible.

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