The Public Security Police (PSP) has warned of a new variation of the fake accident scam, which has resulted in more than 50 reported incidents and losses exceeding €200,000 in the Lisbon area over the past month.
The fraudsters primarily target motorists aged between 70 and 90 who are traveling alone. The scam begins with a minor traffic collision, after which suspects aggressively accuse the victim of causing the accident, creating a stressful situation to pressure quick action.
Instead of involving insurance companies, the criminals suggest settling the matter immediately and present a portable payment terminal, asking for payment on the spot. While the victim enters their PIN, the scammers allegedly swap the genuine bank card for a similar-looking replacement before making substantial cash withdrawals. The PSP urges vigilance, particularly among older drivers, and reminds the public that bank cards should never be handed over to strangers.
