If You See This Person on the Road, Don't Pull Over

If you're accustomed to picking up hitchhikers during your long commute to work, it's essential to be aware of a scam known as the Hitchhiker Roadscan. This deceptive trick targets unsuspecting drivers. The scam typically begins with someone posing as a hitchhiker, flagging down a car on the side of the road. They might claim to be stranded or in need of a ride to a nearby town or city. In some instances, the hitchhiker may request the driver to stop at a specific location, such as a gas station or convenience store. Once there, the hitchhiker will vanish with the driver's money or other valuable possessions.

This scam can also be executed by a group of individuals who flag down a car and request a ride. Once the car is in motion, they threaten the driver and proceed to steal money, valuables, or even the entire vehicle. It's crucial to exercise caution when picking up hitchhikers, avoiding giving money or valuables to anyone claiming to need a ride. Additionally, it's important not to pull over at unsafe or unfamiliar locations.

Hitchhikers aren't the only potential trouble on the road. An unexpected slice of cheese on your parked car might indicate something more dangerous than a prank by neighborhood youngsters. One woman shared her experience online, initially believing it to be a harmless prank. She called a friend for help in cleaning the cheese off her windshield. However, while cleaning, they noticed something unusual—a white van arrived, and a group of suspicious men stared at them. Though feeling uneasy, they continued cleaning, spending almost an hour removing the melted cheese. The woman pondered if this was a tactic to rob people. Most individuals would be preoccupied with cleaning their car and become distracted from watching their belongings or noticing suspicious individuals approaching. It could even serve as a strategy for potential kidnappings, as the sticky cheese would keep the person occupied, preventing them from seeing any threats.

The key takeaway from this story is that if you find a piece of cheese on your car, it's advisable to leave it, as long as it doesn't obstruct your view or affect your driving. It's safest to clean it at home or take it to a nearby car wash where professionals can clean the vehicle without damaging the paint. While the cheese on a car scam might be a mere coincidence, there are more legitimate scams out there, including an unusual method of car theft.

If you notice a t-shirt or hoodie on your windshield or wrapped between your wiper blades, don't be too hasty to remove it. It could have been intentionally placed there to distract you while your car is stolen. Drive away as quickly as possible if you can and head to a well-lit, populated area where you can safely remove the object without any risks. Some individuals have even found money under their wiper blades, indicating a similar intention behind the act.

Reducing the odds of car theft is crucial. One method is to turn your tires toward the curb when parking, making it more difficult for thieves to maneuver the vehicle. They'll recognize that your car requires more time and effort to be moved, making it a less appealing target.

Unfortunately, road scams are prevalent, and one of the most widespread is the infamous tow truck scam. It involves leaving hazardous objects like oil, metal nails, or glass shards on the road, waiting for drivers to fall into the trap. Once a car is damaged, the scammers appear, offering towing services at exorbitant prices. They may pressure you into using their services by strategically placing the traps in low visibility areas, far from gas stations or places where you can assess the damage. In cases where you feel there's no other choice but to consent to the towing, they take advantage of the situation, taking your car to unauthorized workshops, resulting in additional expenses to retrieve it.

Another scam takes advantage of the fact that the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is usually considered at fault. Scammers repeatedly break suddenly in front of unsuspecting drivers, causing them to collide. This dangerous tactic aims to extort money for supposed damages or medical expenses. To avoid becoming a victim, reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance, especially from suspicious vehicles or erratic drivers. If a scammer continues to harass you on the road, drive to the nearest police station and report them.

An enduring urban legend involves sightings of a mysterious figure known as the "Wrong Way Man." According to various stories, this person drives down one-way streets in the opposite direction, causing chaos and confusion among other drivers. Some versions describe the person as crazed and dangerous, with wild eyes and reckless driving. Other tales suggest that seeing this figure on the side of the road while driving home prompts one to avoid returning for at least a week to prevent something bad from happening. Countless stories recount near-misses and close encounters with this enigmatic figure, with some claiming serious injuries resulting from collisions.

Despite numerous sightings and tales, there is no concrete evidence to substantiate the existence of the Wrong Way Man. Experts believe the legend serves as a cautionary tale, reminding people to be vigilant and practice safe driving habits. Nevertheless, the legend continues to be passed down through generations, enduring as one of the most persistent urban myths.

In conclusion, it's crucial to remain vigilant and aware of potential road scams. Exercise caution when encountering hitchhikers, refrain from giving money or valuables, and avoid pulling over at unfamiliar or unsafe locations. Additionally, be cautious of unexpected objects on your car, such as cheese, t-shirts, or hoodies, as they may be intentionally placed to distract you. Reduce the risk of car theft by implementing preventive measures such as turning your tires toward the curb. Stay informed about common scams, including the infamous tow truck scam, and be cautious of sudden brake incidents. While urban legends like the Wrong Way Man may not be substantiated, they serve as reminders to prioritize safe driving practices.