Mirror scam: how it works and how to defend yourself

It is an “evergreen”. scamsthat of the mirror, old but (unfortunately) always effective and therefore among the most widespread in Italy. A bump and an often already broken mirror and the “set” of street scammers is ready for the act. With all the risks involved for the unfortunate person: from the request of cash compensation“kind” concession by the criminal to avoid the victim having to intervene by the insurance company and increase the premium, to the actual theft. But What is the mirror scam and how does it work? And how to defend yourself?

HOW THE MIRROR SCAM WORKS

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Over the years, the mirror scam has been applied in different ways. The most common sees scammers mainly targeting elderly people or people in cars alone. Having chosen the target, they pretend that the victim’s car has hit theirs simulating the impact with an object, such as a small rock or nut, thrown at the door. At this point the scammer convinces the victim to pull over and starts the act, showing the (already) broken mirror due to the (fake) impact. The goal is clear: convince him that he caused the damage in order to extort money from him. A matter to be resolved without involving the insurance companies but immediately with 50 or 100 euros in cashto avoid delays and above all that the company’s intervention triggers an increase in the merit class and insurance premium for the victim. Then there is theft, or robbery with the mirror technique: a first criminal hits the rear-view mirror in traffic, and a second, an accomplice of the first, comes alongside the car when the driver puts his hand out of the window to adjust the mirror or to rant, snatching the watch from his wrist.

RECOGNIZE THE MIRROR SCAM

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Speaking of the most popular method, recognize the mirror scam It’s relatively simple as long as you stay clear enough. The mirror of the scammer’s car is already broken, so the damage is “old” or often inconsistent with the dynamics of the alleged impact. Furthermore, since the collision was only simulated, there is no damage to the victim’s car. The scammers are in a hurry to conclude, so they are willing to negotiate on the amount of compensation, they may appear agitated and do not want the police to intervene.

DEFEND YOURSELF FROM THE MIRROR SCAM

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For defend yourself from the mirror scam First of all, you need to stay calm. It’s not easy, especially if you end up in the “web” of an experienced scammer, who will also use his experience to prevent you from photographing the cars and the (alleged) damage, and from calling the police. However, try to alert the police or the carabinieri or even a relative or friend, and do not give in to the compromise of compensation for damages in cash, the true and only objective of the scammers. Whatever the outcome, a report should be filed with the police, including as many details as possible.