That’s exactly what the thieves are waiting for.
In that moment, many drivers leave the engine running or forget to lock their doors. Within seconds, a thief can jump into the car and drive away — or steal valuables from inside.
Police departments in several U.S. states have warned about this tactic, especially in crowded parking lots like malls, supermarkets, and tourist areas.
There are also similar scams happening across the country:
Flat tire scam: Someone signals that your tire is flat. When you stop, they distract you while an accomplice steals your belongings or even your car.
Dropped item scam: A person points out something “you dropped” near your car. While you’re distracted, another person targets your vehicle.
Fake service scam: Someone pretends to be a parking or rental service employee and tries to take your keys.
Most of these scams involve at least two people — one distracts you, the other acts fast.
How to protect yourself:
If you see money or anything suspicious on your car, do NOT get out immediately
Get inside your car, lock the doors, and drive to a safe place
