Trust fraud: a fake transfer and a "tourist in trouble" on a motorway in Luxembourg

On Sunday, 20 April, another case of fraud with elements of psychological pressure took place in the car park of a petrol station in Berchem. This was reported by the Grand Duchy Police, where an official complaint from the victim was registered.

According to the police, an unknown man approached the driver and introduced himself as a tourist who was allegedly without luggage and money after a theft. He tearfully asked for help: he allegedly needed urgent petrol to continue his journey. To inspire trust, the fraudster showed a fake screenshot of a bank transfer, claiming that the money had "already been sent".

The driver, moved by the story, handed over the cash - an amount with three digits - but later realised he had been the victim of fraud. As the police point out, this type of fraud is not new: attackers often operate at petrol stations and rest areas where relaxed or hurried drivers can be found.

In a classic scheme, the attacker chooses a lone driver, feigns panic or distress and tries to elicit sympathy. They often use foreign-language phrases, claim to be from another country, show false documents or "proof of transfer" - most often a simple screenshot on a phone.

The scene is carefully rehearsed: a tourist with an accent, a request for help, a promise to return money and even false documents. Everything is designed to inspire trust in 1-2 minutes.

Police are advising to remain extremely vigilant, especially in car parks and at petrol stations such as those in Berkham.

The Luxembourg Police reminds you that sincere sympathy is no reason to lose caution. Such scams can happen again and only your attention will protect you from being scammed.