Netlore Archive: Email flier warns of a 'new carjacking scheme' involving the placement of an advertisement or other piece of paper on the victim's rear window to trick them into exiting the vehicle with the engine running
Email example contributed by T. Amos, 23 Feb. 2004:
Subject: New car scheme -- read carefully mom
Be aware of new car-jacking scheme
Read, then forward this email - BE AWARE and BE SAFE
This just happened to a friend of my sister's -- so I am letting everyone know before it happens again.
Imagine: You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. Then you lock all your doors, start the engine and shift into REVERSE. Habit!
You look into the rear-view window to back out of your parking space and you notice a piece of paper, some sort of advertisement stuck to your rear window. So, you shift into PARK, unlock your doors and jump out of your vehicle to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view... when you reach the back of your car, that is when the car-jackers jump out of no where ... jump into your car and take off -- your engine was running, your purse is in the car, and they practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.
BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME
Just drive away and remove the paper that is stuck to your window later and be thankful that your read this email and that you forwarded it to your friends.
Comments: It's plausible, could happen, and, for all we know, has happened, but even after scanning dozens of newspaper accounts of recent carjackings across the United States, I have not been able to dig up a single published report of this alleged tactic actually being used.
Police sources do warn drivers to be wary of strangers approaching with fliers (or asking for directions, or using other pretexts to get close to a vehicle), but judging from the statistics your typical carjacker is more likely to brandish a weapon and attempt to force you out of your car than to try to trick you into exiting of your own accord.
So, while it's prudent to take stock of this warning and keep it in mind as one method a carjacker might use to separate you from your vehicle, it's also prudent to note that, like most emailed warnings of its kind, it's overblown and misleading.
Whatever strategy a carjacker may employ, it is certain to involve taking the victim by surprise. Much more important than worrying about whether or not to remove a piece of paper stuck to your windshield, therefore - in any situation where you might be vulnerable to a carjacking - is being aware of your surroundings and taking note of who may be lurking nearby as you enter or exit your automobile.
Common Carjacking Schemes (from the Columbus, Indiana Police Department):
Pretending to be a stranded motorist.
Faking a fender-bender accident or deliberately getting involved in an accident with the victim.
Approaching the victim while the victim is stopped at a traffic light.
Approaching a victim in shopping malls, private driveways, apartment complex parking lots.
Carjacking Precautions (courtesy of the Attorney General of Florida):
Keep doors locked and windows shut.
Don't stop to assist a disabled motorist. Instead contact a service station or police.
When stopped at a light, leave enough room between you and the car in front that you could make an escape.
Be suspicious of anyone approaching the car with fliers, asking for change or directions. Be ready to leave carefully, even if it means running a red light or stop sign.
While driving, if struck from behind or in any suspicious way, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows closed until the police arrive. Activate your vehicle's emergency flashers.
If you're very suspicious, get the other vehicle's license number and drive to the nearest police station or a well-lighted area with lots of people.
If you think you are being followed, drive immediately to an area with lots of lights and people. If possible, drive to the nearest law enforcement office.
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