Scam Alert
Published: 01/31/2018
The Riverside Police Department has been made aware of a possible scam recently occurring within our city. It involves motorist(s) who will pull alongside a potential victim and ask them to pull over claiming something is wrong with their vehicle. In two separate occasions, the driver has done just that. In both cases, the driver was a man who flagged down female motorists. The male driver claimed there was something wrong with the tire of the female’s vehicle and that it appeared the tire was ready to fall off. Once pulled over, the male driver would then request money to “repair” the tire. The driver will ask the victim to walk to a nearby bank to withdraw cash to allegedly make the repairs. This scam is definitely a safety concern but also not something new.
The Riverside Police Department reminds everyone to use caution if this or a similar scenario occurs to you. If you fear there may actually be something wrong with your vehicle, only pull over in a well-lit, populated, safe area and then keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. You should call 9-1-1 and let the public safety dispatcher know that a driver is attempting to have you pull over. If the driver approaches you, let them know you have called 9-1-1 and an officer is on the way. Please do not open your vehicle for someone you do not know.
We want to help our residents and visitors be safe while driving through our city, so please share this information with your loved ones and friends. If you have been a victim of this scam or a similar one, please contact your local law enforcement agency. If you live in the city of Riverside, you can make a report by calling our non-emergency dispatch number of (951) 354-2007.
