A 25-year-old man, unemployed, forced them to stop the A14 highway near the Vasto South barrier and claimed to have damaged his side mirror during an overtaking. Under pressure, the Belgian was ready to give him 150 euros in cash. Just then, a traffic police patrol appeared and foiled the staging. The crook was caught red-handed, and the couple continued their way home with the money in their pocket.

(Staff: Belgium & Italy / Tourism & Road Safety)

The vacation of a Belgian couple in Italy ended with a serious scare, but also with an important lesson about the scams on the roads. The two were quietly returning to Belgium on the highway A14 when, near the barrier Vasto South, another driver suddenly began to give them insistent signs. He forced them to pull to the right and stop.

The man, an Italian 25 years from the area, he got out of the car and told them, in an aggressive tone, that the Belgian driver would have damaged his side mirror during an overtaking maneuver. To avoid police intervention and possible complications with insurance, he asked 150 euros cash. The Belgian, intimidated by the man’s attitude, was already taking the money out and giving it to him.

Police intervention

At that time, a traffic police patrol that was in the area for a routine check-up observed the scene. The agents intervened immediately and quickly understood that everything was a staged scam. The 25-year-old man was caught red-handed while trying to get money through deception. The Belgian couple was able to continue their journey home, with the 150 euros in their pocket.

A Known Scam: „The Mirror Trick”

The method used by the crook is one of the most widespread on highways in Italy and beyond. It’s called „The Mirror Trick” or „Spiegeltruc” And it works simply: a driver follows you, forces you to stop, claims to have hit his car and asks you for money on the spot, usually in cash, so he doesn’t notify the police or insurance. Many times, the alleged damage does not even exist, and the requested amount is small precisely for the victim to pay quickly and escape the conflict.

What should you do if you are approached like this?

The police and road safety experts recommend a few simple rules:

• Never pay cash on the spot, no matter how persistent the other driver is.
• Call the police immediately to the emergency number. Scammers get scared quickly when they see you’re not willing to negotiate.
• Photograph and film the area, the cars and the person involved, if it is safe to do so.
• Complete the insurance documents correctly, without inventing or accepting false descriptions.
• Note the registration number and the brand of the one who accuses you.
• If you have a dashcam front and back, use it. Recordings are the best proof.

The reactions of the public

The incident sparked numerous comments. Many readers have pointed out that such scams are increasingly common and that victims should not feel guilty. „Never pay on the spot. Call the police and that’s it,” one commenter wrote. Another added, „The dashcam is the only solution. Without evidence, you’re at the crook’s mercy.” Others pointed out that the crook’s aggressive reaction is calculated precisely to intimidate and speed up the victim.

Conclusion

The Belgian couple was lucky that the police were right in the area. But not everyone has this luck. side-mirror scam is a well-planned method that takes advantage of panic and the desire to avoid complications. The best way to protect yourself is to stay calm, not pay cash and ask for the intervention of the authorities. A beautiful holiday does not have to turn into an expensive lesson.