The Public Security Police (PSP) has issued a warning over a new variation of the “fake accident” scam, which has already resulted in more than 50 reported incidents and losses exceeding €200,000 in the Lisbon area during the past month alone.
According to the PSP, the fraudsters are primarily targeting motorists aged between 70 and 90 who are travelling alone.
The scam begins with what appears to be a minor traffic collision. The suspects then aggressively accuse the victim of causing the accident, creating a stressful and intimidating situation designed to pressure them into acting quickly.
Rather than involving insurance companies, the fraudsters suggest settling the matter immediately and produce a portable card payment terminal, asking the victim to pay on the spot.
While the victim enters their PIN, the scammers allegedly swap the genuine bank card for a similar-looking replacement without the victim noticing. Once in possession of the real card, they leave the scene and make substantial cash withdrawals before the victim realises what has happened.
The PSP is urging motorists, particularly older drivers, to remain vigilant and has issued several pieces of advice to help prevent people from falling victim to the scam.
Police stress that bank cards should never be handed to strangers and that anyone insisting on immediate payment following a road traffic incident should be treated with suspicion. If there are any concerns, motorists should contact the PSP immediately rather than attempting to resolve the matter privately.
The police force also advises victims or witnesses to note as many details as possible about those involved, including physical descriptions, the make and model of any vehicle used, and its registration number, as this information can prove invaluable to investigators.
Although the recent incidents have been reported in mainland Portugal, the PSP is encouraging families and carers to make elderly relatives aware of the scam, warning that fraudsters frequently adapt successful methods and introduce them to other parts of the country.
For readers in Madeira, the advice is straightforward: if you are involved in even a minor collision, exchange details through the normal legal process, contact your insurer if necessary, and never allow yourself to be pressured into making an immediate payment or handing your bank card to another person.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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