Holidaymakers driving to Croatia and other Adriatic destinations are being warned about a scam in which criminals damage a car tyre during a short stop, then pose as helpful bystanders when the problem becomes obvious.
The warning comes from Dagmar Redel, a travel expert at Austria’s automobile club ÖAMTC, who said the tactic is currently being reported mainly in Croatia, with further cases in Slovenia and Serbia. She said tourists are especially vulnerable because of language barriers and unfamiliar roads.
According to the warning, accomplices use the distraction created by the fake breakdown to steal valuables from the vehicle while drivers deal with the puncture or wait for assistance.
Redel said the scam has been reported along the Zagreb to Rijeka route and further south towards Zadar. The Slovenian motoring club AMZS has also reported similar cases, while the German automobile club ADAC has separately warned of fake roadside helpers on major holiday routes in Italy, France and Spain.
“Tourists are particularly vulnerable to scams due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with the area. Such traps can affect anyone and can sometimes be very expensive,” added Redel.
The ADAC (German Automobile Club) stated: “The ADAC warns of fraudsters posing as roadside assistance providers who appear immediately after a breakdown. In some cases, they are even said to use jamming transmitters to prevent victims from contacting the ADAC or the police.”
Experts say the best defence is to check the car briefly after any unattended stop, especially before continuing a long journey. If strangers try to make a driver pull over, or if anything feels suspicious, the safest option is usually to remain in the car, lock the doors and call the police if needed.
The advice is simple but important for summer travellers using busy southern European routes. Do not leave valuables visible inside the vehicle, and be cautious about unsolicited help from strangers who appear moments after a breakdown.
Roadside scams are not new, but experts say they can be especially effective in holiday traffic, where drivers are tired, carrying luggage and focused on reaching their destination. That can make even a small delay costly, particularly if thieves are waiting for the moment attention shifts away from the car.
For drivers heading to the Adriatic coast, the warning is clear. A sudden tyre problem may not always be an accident, and a friendly helper at the roadside may not be helping at all.
Photo Credit: antoniodiaz / Shutterstock.com
