Reports indicate an attempted “bumper-mount” fraud scheme near the Third Ring Road in the city of Colima.
According to witnesses, two vehicles identified as a white Jetta and an older gray Sentra followed two young people driving their car after leaving school.
“Bumper-mount” reported in Colima
The drivers of both suspicious vehicles attempted to block the students and cause an accident, then sought compensation for the damages.
Fortunately, the young people managed to avoid the incident and reported the incident on social media, alerting residents of the state about the cars and drivers who were filmed.
Drivers are also advised to take precautions when driving in the area and to be alert for any suspicious vehicles. Likewise, if you are a victim of any attempted fraud like the one mentioned above, you are encouraged to file a report with the appropriate authorities.
What is a “bumper truck” and how does it work?
The “bumper truck” situation has become a problem in Mexico City. In recent years, incidents have been reported where criminals intentionally cause crashes to extort their victims, demanding compensation for the damages.
These criminals operate in low-traffic areas and target uninsured cars in order to reach a monetary settlement at the moment of the collision.
They operate in various ways, one of which is irresponsibly changing lanes to position themselves in front of the intended victim vehicle, braking immediately to cause a rear-end collision.
How to deal with a “bumper truck”?
The Mexico City Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) issued the following recommendations if you witness or are involved in an incident of this type:
Remain calm and do not get out of your car.
Call your insurance company, report the incident, and provide your location.
If you don’t have insurance and the “collision agents” threaten or become violent, call 911 or contact them through the SSC’s X account or the Mi Policía app.
Write down the license plate, model, and vehicle registration numbers of the attackers; if you provide this information to authorities, they will be registered and those responsible can be punished with up to eight years in prison.
Do not give money to “settle” the incident.
Verify that the insurance company’s staff has official identification, a uniform, and legal documents that certify them as part of the company.
Keep an eye on your belongings such as keys, driver’s license, insurance policy, cell phone, etc.
Always be present during the insurance company’s verification.
If you don’t have insurance, ask to be taken to the Public Ministry so the judge on duty can determine who was at fault or acted in bad faith. Often, the “montachoques” (snatch-mongers) give up their extortion attempt and leave the scene, leaving the victim with their heist and the helplessness of the authorities doing nothing.
Source: milenio
