Picture this: you return to your car, peacefully parked on the street, and there it is—a €50 bill tucked under your windshield wiper. Lucky day? Not quite.

What looks like a random stroke of fortune is actually a clever setup designed to steal your car in seconds. Here’s how this deviously effective scam works—and how you can avoid falling victim to it.

The Illusion of a Gift: A Trick That Takes More Than It Gives

In a world where every euro counts, spotting a €50 bill on your windshield is hard to ignore. But make no mistake—this bait was intentionally placed there by thieves. It’s strategically positioned so that you won’t notice it until you’re already sitting inside the car.

And that’s where the real danger begins.

Once you spot the bill and step out to grab it, chances are you’ve left the car running and the door open. That’s all it takes. A thief lurking nearby jumps in and drives off with your vehicle—faster than you can react. It’s a scam as quick and smooth as a magic trick.

The €50 Scam: A Well-Rehearsed Setup

This isn’t a new con. It pops up, disappears, and resurfaces again—like a TV drama you know the ending to but can’t stop watching. Police in Haute-Garonne, France, recently issued a warning about it in a campaign aptly titled “An Expensive Banknote.”

The setup never changes: a parked car, a discreetly placed bill, a thief waiting in the wings. And a driver caught off guard by their own curiosity—or temptation.

How to Outsmart the Scam

Here’s the good news: this scam depends on one thing—your split-second reaction. Change that, and you take control.

What you should do:
If you notice a banknote on your windshield while you’re already in the driver’s seat, don’t get out of the car. Instead, start the engine and drive a short distance—just far enough to reach a safer spot. Then and only then, check out what’s on your windshield.

This small precaution can save you a lot of trouble.

Even better, if you report the incident to the police or local authorities, you’re helping identify targeted areas and potentially preventing others from falling into the same trap.

Key Takeaways

• A banknote under your wiper is never a free gift from the universe.
• Only exit your vehicle when you’re in a safe location.
• Report any suspicious behavior or attempts to your local police.

Car Scams: A Constantly Evolving Threat

The €50 trick is just one tactic among many. Scammers today are getting more creative—fake parking tickets, tampered QR codes on charging stations, phishing messages… nothing is off-limits.

That’s why staying alert is your best defense. Just like road safety campaigns say: a small action can prevent big problems. So share this tip—because a well-informed driver is twice as prepared.