So the other day my elderly parents were robbed while on the way home from the store. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of this “car accident” scheme but let me attest that it is in fact very real. Basically the perpetrators faked a car accident and bumped my parents’ car from behind., They did this in order to get them to pull over and rob them. I’m a big advocate for child safety and everyone’s safety. Here are more safety tips to be aware of.
The Car Bump is to Get you to Pull Over
My parents had heard of people being robbed after being bumped in their car. However, apparently they thought “it couldn’t happen to them”. This is a common sentiment. “It can’t happen to me. It’s always someone else”.
Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone.
My parents were also lulled into a sense of security when they thought it was only a pair of young females in the car. They didn’t think these “girls” could be capable of robbing them. But they were and did.
The same works like this: A car bumps the victims’ car from behind. After pulling over, the perpetrators get out and rob the victims.
In the case of my parents, they thought it was only two girls. Then another car with big men pull up and do most of the attacking and robbing
Keep in mind that my parents are in their late 70s.
Suffice to say that this is a scheme that unfortunately has happened and will continue to happen to unsuspecting people.
But don’t let it happen to you or those you love. Remember this article and Call 9-1-1 if you get bumped from behind!
Other Scams People I Know Have Fallen For
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time elderly people I know have been scammed. A family friend (who is a widow in her 80s) fell for a phone scam. For some reason she believed the caller was her credit card company. And ended up sending him over a money order for her life savings. This is a real story and I can’t believe it actually happens.
The examples I’ve given are for older people but we are all at risk.
I have another thirty year old friend who was wiring a “psychic healer” money. She really believed she was legit. We should always question “psychics” who constantly ask for more money yet don’t produce anything.
More Safety Tips to Be Aware of
Always be aware of your surroundings. Especially when out and about with your kids. Are there people paying attention to your car? Are they following you? Make four right turns and check if they still are behind you. If so, then don’t head home! You do not want them to know where you live. Head to a police station. Give them a call to let them know what’s going on.
Never ever give any information to anyone over the phone. Especially if they call you. If you call them and get the number from a legit source, that’s different. But if someone contacts you either by phone, text, email or messaging, they might not be who they claim to be. Verify everything. You are totally entitled and have every right to hang up or not answer phone calls/messages.
Even if you are a single mother, make every effort to not appear single at home. Have some stuff from a man in your life (friend, dad, brother, even ex) to have out (like men’s boots by the door). The handymen/workers I know say they all notice if a woman appears to live alone.
Pass it On: Hoping you and Your Loved Ones Stay Safe
Another safety tip: Know your neighbors! Neighbors can help “watch” your house if you aren’t there. Or even if you are, it’s helpful to have people nearby in case of emergencies.
In regard to my parents, I thank God that nothing worse happened. (There’s always something to be grateful for in the darkest of times).
And I just wanted to share with you all in the hopes that it helps someone else stay safe.
As Always, Remember 2 Savor every moment. Especially with those you love.
