Germans warn of dangerous scam on roads, also rampant in Croatia: Here's how to recognize fake vehicles

The German automobile club ADAC has issued a renewed warning about fraudulent roadside assistance services, dubbed 'fake Yellow Angels,' which are particularly active in Croatia and several other Central and Southeastern European countries. These imposters operate vehicles that mimic ADAC's service cars in color, markings, and appearance. Some even display the ADAC logo or claim to work on its behalf, while their personnel wear clothing similar to that of genuine mechanics.

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Believe, they do not want to help you.

These fraudulent groups often patrol roadsides or wait near rest stops, seeking out drivers whose vehicles have broken down. They proactively offer assistance, which can lead to drivers being charged exorbitant fees for unnecessary repairs or towing to specific workshops. ADAC has previously identified Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Croatia as primary areas of operation, with Slovenia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Lithuania also mentioned in earlier warnings.

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ADAC warns that fake helpers have appeared primarily in Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Croatia.

ADAC emphasizes that any assistance not explicitly requested by the driver should be viewed with suspicion. While ADAC typically collaborates with local partner auto clubs abroad, these partners are generally prohibited from displaying the ADAC logo on their vehicles or workshops. Exceptions exist, such as in certain tourist regions of France and Italy where ADAC sends its own mechanics during the summer season.

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Assistance that you have not requested yourself should be particularly suspicious to drivers.

Drivers encountering suspicious vehicles offering unsolicited help are strongly advised against immediately accepting towing services, handing over documents, or paying cash. The safest course of action is to contact one's own auto club or the official national auto club of the country they are in. In Croatia, drivers can call the Croatian Auto Club (HAK) at 1987 for free roadside assistance, with international numbers also available.

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The safest is to call for help through the auto club you are a member of or the official national auto club of the country you are in.