The Public Security Police warned of the increase in scams through false accidents in Portugal. Between January 2021 and December 2025, 853 reports of this type of crime were registered.
According to data released by the PSP – Public Security Police, cases went from 86 incidents in the first year to a recent peak of 339 situations. The majority of victims are over 70 years old, representing around 79% of cases, and are also mostly men.
The scheme is normally set up in large car parks. Scammers simulate a collision or being run over and accuse the driver of having caused damage to the car or personal objects, such as glasses or cell phones. To make the story credible, they fake physical pain or make fake calls to workshops and operators, presenting supposed repair quotes.
Under pressure, victims are forced to pay on the spot to avoid involving insurance or authorities. In some cases, suspects even use automatic payment terminals to receive money immediately.
The police recommend that, in the event of any alleged accident, drivers always contact the authorities and avoid making payments on the spot. It also advises not to stop the vehicle when suspicious signs of other vehicles appear on the road.
