Restaurant Scam Reported

The Argentine federal police report a new scam in which criminals conduct surveillance of restaurant areas to identify victims as they park their vehicles in unattended lots or on the street. The criminals then follow the victim into the restaurant asking personnel for the owner of a car with a certain license plate. They claim that the vehicle is blocking their vehicle and ask the owner to move the car. In most cases, the owner identifies himself and readily goes to move the vehicle. Once outside the assailants discretely threaten and rob the car owner with a weapon. In some cases, the vehicle has been stolen and in others, short term kidnappings have occurred.

Recommendations:

When possible, avoid external parking areas that lack security. If you do park on the street, ensure that you are not blocking other vehicles, driveways, garages, etc. If someone tries to locate you by asking who owns your vehicle, don’t answer right away. Try to find what it is all about first. If it is your vehicle, ask the waiter to check to see if the situation is as the person describes.