Automotive Scam Advice

michaeltee on 27/05/2021 - 13:12

Advice needed.

Two days ago, I received a txt from a constable from the Queanbeyan Police (Monaro District). He told me that someone had lodged a police complaint that I had scratched her car, at a shopping centre carpark by backing into her, and did not leave my details. I told the police that I did not crash into any cars, backed up by my wife as a passenger. I told him that when I parked the car, I retract my wing mirrors and drove straight into the bay. On leaving, the space in front of me was empty and I drove straight ahead through. He claimed that the woman alleges that her daughter was in her car while she was elsewhere shopping, and there was a witness, and she took some photos. I told him that is incorrect, I did not reverse at all during the whole parking procedure, and why did she, or the witness not leave a message on my vehicle if they think I did the deed. The police then said that I can be charged for not exchanging details but I said that there was no crash, and there was no one to exchange details with. The so called witness did not approach me but the police said she does not have to. The incident was supposed to have taken place 4-5 days prior.

Anyway, advice on what actions I should take. Also seeking the following information. Can the police in NSW charged someone for not exchanging details in a private car park (shopping centre's), when I did not believe that I had an accident, no one approach me to ask for my details ,e tc. I am meeting with the police next Wednesday to look at photos. What information do I need to give to the police; apart from my name and address. Do I need to give him my mobile no (which he has obviously as he rang me) and my insurance company? I requested the police report in order to prepare my Defence but the police told me that I have to pay $40. Also, the woman alleges he left her young daughter alone in her parked car. Is that an offence under NSW law? I wonder why the police didn't charge her for that when she made that statement to them.

Also, apart from my wife, earlier that day, I took my car to an autoelectrician and a body shop, to get quotes on fixing a fault, I went back to them after the police phone call and they can testify that there has been no indication that the car was involved in a skirmish since I last brought it to them.

Any advice is appreciated, I am stressed out. I have two instances of such in
Sydney, two in Canberra, and now the current one in Queanbeyan NSW. That's because I own four upmarket cars, a Porshce, Mercedes, Lexus and BMW, and being Asian, these people approach me claiming all sorts of misdeeds on my part, and demanding money. I have fobbed all of them off, by asking him for the Drivers's Licences. But this time, there is a police report. The constable told me that he rather have me provide the details to him so that the insurance companies can do their part, rather than him charging me for not exchanging information.

Thanks again

Automotive

Comments

        • jackspratt on 31/05/2021 - 01:17

          Take a minute to check out how folding wing mirrors work……

          • Chandler on 31/05/2021 - 09:25
            +1

            @jackspratt: My comment was more tongue in cheek, but since you suggested I check how folding wing mirrors work…

            I checked my car (as it has them) and the below is how my car's mirrors operate:

            There is a switch that has 3 positions:

            • folded in
            • "auto"
            • folded out

            "Auto" being that if the car is locked = mirrors folded in, unlocked = mirrors out.

            If OPs car works similarly, then they would have had the switch positioned such that the mirrors were "permanently" folded in (as they folded them prior to parking).

            So it is entirely reasonable that they still had their mirrors folded in when they left their park.

            So it is entirely reasonable for my statement that their mirrors being folded in when leaving their park could lead to them backing into cars (not using their side mirrors).

    • Ughhh on 27/05/2021 - 18:58
      +2

      Is there an unspoken rule that people with expensive cars are more likely to pay out on scam accusations?

      Maybe not exactly 'more likely', but if you're going to scam someone, first rule is to pick someone who actually has money so scam first.

      • michaeltee on 28/05/2021 - 11:04
        +1

        Agreed. I am a 66 years old retired Senior. No coin to my name

        • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 13:07
          +3

          You could exchange 2 or 3 upmarket cars for coins (sell them)

          • Pelicannn on 28/05/2021 - 17:12
            +1

            @Euphemistic: barely a single bitcoin of upmarket in that garage.

            • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 20:52

              @Pelicannn: You do know that you can get actual coins in small denominations don’t you?

              • Pelicannn on 28/05/2021 - 22:17
                +2

                @Euphemistic: I’m aware, more just referring to the fact his four upmarket cars are probably valued at less than $50,000.

  • matt-c on 27/05/2021 - 17:32
    -3

    I would not be giving any information to police at all. You have the right to remain silent.

    • Davo1111 on 27/05/2021 - 19:40
      +1

      Not true.

    • gromit on 28/05/2021 - 07:13

      Wrong. that applies only to arrests. By law you must provide your details when requested by a police officer.

      • derrida derider on 28/05/2021 - 14:39
        +1

        Only name, address and (for road offences) D/L. No more.

        • gromit on 28/05/2021 - 17:06
          +1

          True, but in this case it seems that goes directly against the persons own interests. Most police, despite what people think, are not AHoles and have no desire for the situation to escalate legally, hence the text messages etc.

          • spaceflight on 30/05/2021 - 21:17

            @gromit:

            But in this case it seems that goes directly against the persons own interests.

            It doesn't matter.

            Do not talk to the police
            https://youtube.com/watch?v=d-7o9xYp7eE

            • gromit on 30/05/2021 - 21:49
              +1

              @spaceflight: Last I checked we don't live in the police state of america. Choosing not to speak in this case is basically demanding they charge him.

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/05/2021 - 19:20
          +1

          Only if the road offence actually occurred.

          Further, a police officer can only demand name and address if they reasonably suspect and offence has been committed

    • Piranha2004 on 28/05/2021 - 10:17

      And they have the right to charge with obstruction of duty or failing to exchange details or similar offence.

      • Vote for Pedro on 28/05/2021 - 19:23
        +1

        No. They need to caution you that it is an offence not to provide details. Also they need to advise you of what they reasonably suspect you have done.

        Be careful, reasonable suspicion is more than ‘person A said you did something’. They need to be willing to give a statement and go to court. And then its just against the matter of not exchanging details. The resolution of the damage is a civil matter

    • pilchard on 29/05/2021 - 12:25
      +1

      Thanks Miranda

  • thatonethere on 27/05/2021 - 17:46
    +1

    If as you say this is a common thing I would be getting some legal advice before talking to the police
    Also your ozbargain username and the info above means you are easily doxxed. Just fyi.

  • Muzeeb on 27/05/2021 - 17:53
    +1

    Hello OP? Is there anybody there?

    • Yummy on 27/05/2021 - 20:12

      OP ghosted us.

      Or his ozb account got hacked.

  • brad1-8tsi on 27/05/2021 - 18:17

    I call BS because nothing involving the police or OSR is as cheap as $40

  • Tech5 on 27/05/2021 - 19:36
    +8

    Nah mate, if this is the 5th occurrence, I'm thinking you are just a shit and oblivious driver. Car model and race has got nothing to do with it

  • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2021 - 19:40
    +3

    This has happened 5 times, and apparently it's not your fault. You know you did it OP. Pay up.

  • core101 on 27/05/2021 - 19:53
    +1

    If they could have charged you, they would have, they are fishing for a confession, best the say nothing.

  • DoctorCalculon on 27/05/2021 - 20:37
    +2

    Damn OP! I think you have just told us a whole bunch of horse shit.

    I have two instances of such in Sydney, two in Canberra, and now the current one in Queanbeyan NSW.

    Okay, where are the OzBargain threads for the other four instances?

    That's because I own four upmarket cars, a Porshce, Mercedes, Lexus and BMW, and being Asian, these people approach me claiming all sorts of misdeeds on my part, and demanding money.

    The story was going so well until you decided to play the race card.

    • Narull on 27/05/2021 - 22:55
      +2

      Flex and race card combined, I thought 'ehh maybe' before that last part then I knew it's just a troll post.

      • DoctorCalculon on 27/05/2021 - 23:18

        I received a txt from a constable from the Queanbeyan Police

        This was the very first red flag, but I kept reading out of curiosity until the very last part.
        Notice the OP is completely absent. We have all been savagely trolled. LOL!

        • Coops1 on 28/05/2021 - 09:04
          +2

          I love getting these made up stories in the OZB newsletter each day. Best of all are the comments and usual OP responses where the OP digs a bigger hole for themselves.

          It’s as good as the TV show Would I Lie to You.

    • michaeltee on 28/05/2021 - 11:06

      See my previous replies

  • srhardy on 28/05/2021 - 08:05

    Police don’t get involved in shopping centre car park disputes as it’s a private car park and unless it’s not, say a federal government car park or has regulated parking they wouldn’t be at all interested as they have no jurisdiction

    Bring a lawyer with you and record everything as insurance id understand or even a private query but police, that’s off

  • DiscoJango on 28/05/2021 - 08:40
    +1

    It’s not my fault!

    But, I have also been accused of the exact same thing multiple times in the past, in multiple states!

  • Herbse on 28/05/2021 - 08:47

    Ignore it. Let them come to you.

  • cashless on 28/05/2021 - 08:49
    +1

    Dash Cam footage or it did not happen

  • dcash on 28/05/2021 - 08:55
    +5

    That's because I own four upmarket cars, a Porshce, Mercedes, Lexus and BMW, and being Asian, these people approach me claiming all sorts of misdeeds on my part, and demanding money.

    Nah mate, it's nothing to do with your race. More likely because you act like an arrogant git.

  • kiitos on 28/05/2021 - 09:04

    Is there any damage on your car?

    • michaeltee on 28/05/2021 - 11:08

      No, that day, I took the car to an autoelectrician and a body shop for quotes for some work I want done. I took it back to them after the police txt me and they both can testify that there are no signs of any dings to speak off, except for those that were alreadly there.

  • 91rs on 28/05/2021 - 10:07

    Txt them to show up in a patrol car and discuss it in person or just ignore it.
    Police don't involve themselves in such trivial matters, it'd be an insurance issue.

  • Piranha2004 on 28/05/2021 - 10:19
    +3

    When someone hit my car in a shopping centre car park I was fortunate enough to have my dash cam capture it. I simply went to the police station and gave them the rego number. He said he would call the owner and would get back to me. A couple of hours later received a phone call with the other parties details and I submitted a claim to insurance. The rest is history and I never worried about it again. If it is legit, then you have to provide your details and then provide your insurance company with the evidence of your version of events. Let them duke it out, its what you pay them for.

    • michaeltee on 28/05/2021 - 11:09

      so, I just give the police the details in my drivers licence, and the police already have my mobile no. Do I need to tell them who my insurer is or any other info?

      • Piranha2004 on 28/05/2021 - 11:11

        No. Only your name, address and contact number is usually required (which the police usually have anyway).

    • Euphemistic on 28/05/2021 - 13:12

      Would you hand over licence details if someone claimed you hit their car and you know you didn’t? Would you hand over insurance if you didn’t?

      I might provide my contact details to police. I wouldn’t provide insurer details. If I damage someone else’s car I’ll probably want mine repaired as well and go with a claim on insurer, but not if I haven’t hit anyone. I don’t want someone else contacting my insurer and trying to scam them either.

      • Piranha2004 on 28/05/2021 - 13:55

        I would let them go ahead and I would contact my own insurer to provide evidence that no damage was done etc. You are not obligated to provide your insurers details at all. Legally only name, address and contact number is required (as well as rego number).

        • Vote for Pedro on 30/05/2021 - 15:02

          You are not required to provide your name and address if no accident occurred.

          It is up to police to form reasonable grounds that you were involved in an accident and failed to provide details. Then it becomes an offence not to provide details to police.

          The only criminal component would be around failing to exchange details (if an accident actually happened). The chasing for repairs is a civil matter.

  • FocusRider on 28/05/2021 - 10:22
    +6

    OP made up this story to brag about his 4 upmarket cars..

    Sounds familiar to marksmarkdownmarket

    • belongsinforums on 30/05/2021 - 00:29
      +1

      Mate i have sold over 10000 items. You're just jealous that you're still working for the man

      • FocusRider on 30/05/2021 - 15:04

        Congrats! Do you want a prize?

  • OzHunterNSW on 28/05/2021 - 11:14
    -2

    1…. who dis the occupant see damage the car… you or your wife.
    You seem to paint a picture of you driving in, and out, but for some reason neglect to describe how you exited and entered the vehicle.
    The police have you at the scene…. you admit being their… they have a witness…
    You seek photos of damage, and seek measurement from ground.
    Spend thousands on solicitors attesting the allegation, or pay the $40.
    I'm sick of returning to my vehicle with door damage each and every time a park my vehicle.

  • happyhammer on 28/05/2021 - 11:26

    Seems a scam to be texted by police about a scratched car? I would be cautious. Also just ask for proof, like camera footage etc.
    Not sure anyone needs 4 cars of a similar status anyways.

  • trapper on 28/05/2021 - 11:36
    +1

    Assuming this isn't an actual scam, there is no point in providing any more info to the cops than required.

    If there was no collision then just state that there was no collision and leave it at that.

  • Poor Ass on 28/05/2021 - 15:34

    Fuerdai?

    • michaeltee on 28/05/2021 - 18:34
      +1

      I wish. No, I am a 66 years old Senior, with no coins to my name. But I love cars, especially performance cars, with grunt and superb road holding capabilities. All my coins goes to keeping them in mint condition. The Lexus is for when I wake up in the morning and feel that I need to act my age. The others are for fun,

      • Poor Ass on 28/05/2021 - 19:40
        +1

        Don't give in man. Dead shits everywhere.

  • jackspratt on 28/05/2021 - 17:54
    +2

    This thread seems to have been over-run with bush lawyers and aspiring Judge Judys.

  • Cave Fire on 28/05/2021 - 18:10

    You have to think about this from the police's perspective. They get a hit and run report etc, so they have to look into it. Is there any chance there could be a mixup with another car? The daughter or witness may have gotten confused, eg picked a similar coloured car (eg, yours) that was nearby. Had a similar bingle (a car reversing into mine from the next bay from stationary) and it shook the whole car. She could have been confused and picked your car. Easiest way to sort it out would be shopping centre surveillance, but think only the police can access this.

    • michaeltee on 28/05/2021 - 18:42

      Don't know, I have not seen the police report, nor have I met her, or seen her car. What I do know is that I parked my car, and as usual with all my cars, folded the external mirrors before parking in the bay. After dinner, about 1 hr, I came back, there were no cars parked to the sides of mine, or in front, so, as per normal routine, unfolded the side mirrors and drove out straight ahead. At no time did I reverse the car during the whole episode. If in fact, as she claimed, there was an accident, she obviously left the scene of the accident without leaving her details, as required by law

      • Cave Fire on 28/05/2021 - 18:54

        I'd try to get the parking centre's footage if possible by quoting your existing police report number. Low chance of it happening though, Happened to my dad, rear ended on a school drive by a parent that was following too close. Her car had existing damage. They exchanged details, but she still went to the police to say my dad was driving erratically and "caused the accident". Got a visit from the police and a big claim letter, even though it was later determined she was at fault. Not sure if she was trying to get her old damage passed on.

  • CalmLemons on 28/05/2021 - 19:55
    +1

    Just ignore it if it's bogus. Police can charge you, but they would need to prove it in court, and the witness would have to go too.

    Most of this shit results in nothing.

    Police also don't want to deal with this shit.

  • Melong on 28/05/2021 - 21:03
    +1

    Where is the mspaint?

  • Kamsi on 28/05/2021 - 21:04
    -1

    LoL, the op got scammed, police does not care about minor accidents and certainly they will not txt your a message, if the crimes is severe they will be on your door step soon as you scratch your balls.
    Ignore the text msg and wait for an infringement letter if you indeed did the crime.

  • raiseyoursteaks on 28/05/2021 - 21:14

    I had experienced this scam before but with AAMI. On this case the person lodging the claim was the fraud and I wasn't sure if someone in AAMI was also working along but they seemed to have made the assessment that I was at fault. Even though I wasn't in an accident. But the claimant seemed to have had my details, car number, make, time passing that particular spot. The complain was I hit and ran. So they knew I pass this particular stretch.

    Long story short, it didn't matter talking to AAMI even if we gave pictures of our car in perfect condition.

    We went to ombudsman and AAMI then sent an apology. I'd say… Call their bluff all the way.

  • skynet on 28/05/2021 - 22:46

    Just adding to the opinions above of absolutely do not pay.

    First thought is that it is just a complete scam (including the text) but given they have your phone number and location I'd say it's more likely they have filed a false police report.
    If you did not do this simply stand your ground and say no. The onus is on them to prove that you've committed a crime, you don't have to go around trying to ask shopping centres for footage.

    They won't simply take their word over yours, they have to investigate and then file charges if there is evidence (as far as I understand the law). Most likely scenario is that this will never go any further, police have more urgent matters to attend to than a alleged scratching in a parking lot.

    Just my 2c, not legal advice

    Edit: Adding that the above is only applicable if you didn't do it. There are a couple red flags in your story, the primary being multiple prior accusations. This is far from common & has nothing to do with perceived status or race.

    • Finde on 29/05/2021 - 00:48

      He mentioned there is an independent witness who saw it happen. That's their evidence right there.

      • michaeltee on 29/05/2021 - 13:12
        -2

        No information on the alleged witness, whether independent or not. But I have two, the body shop and autoelectrician owners

        • Euphemistic on 29/05/2021 - 15:55
          +1

          They didn’t see it, not witnesses.

  • bmerigan on 28/05/2021 - 23:03

    If there's no damage on your car… It wasn't you.

  • PensionerXXL on 29/05/2021 - 08:14
    +8

    this is senior vice Sargent paul cuntington
    your all under arrest for numerous violations of the shit post act 1998

    expect text messages shortly

    • pegaxs on 29/05/2021 - 15:50

      Scam… "Sergeant" is spelt wrong… The rest looked legit… :D

      • PensionerXXL on 30/05/2021 - 02:48

        auto corrected to a pie search :D

  • Wayne7497 on 29/05/2021 - 12:49
    +2

    Dunno law over east but as a cop of 36yrs in WA I call bs. Accidents in carparks here are civil matter unless serious injury. And we wouldn't even take report, not required to exchange details in a carpark. Think its bogus or a noob copper who doesn't know the law.

    • michaeltee on 29/05/2021 - 13:10

      Thanks

    • Heydos on 29/05/2021 - 15:27
      +2

      Public carparks in NSW are a road related area under the Road Rules 2014. Failing to provide required particulars is an offence.

      See the following link for the exact offence that is being investigated:

      https://lawcodes.judcom.nsw.gov.au/lawcodes/law-part/view/bo…

      • pegaxs on 29/05/2021 - 15:56

        13 What is a road related area
        (1) A road related area is any of the following:
        (a) an area that divides a road,
        (b) a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road,
        (c) an area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals,
        (d) an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles

        And I am pretty sure that in WA, it is a legal requirement to exchange details at the site of an accident/crash/collision. Failing to do so would result in similar action. While the act of having the collision is a civil matter, failing to and/or refusal to exchange details would be a different case. Failing to comply with exchanging details is fine of 30 Penalty Units (or about $1,500)

        • Wayne7497 on 30/05/2021 - 01:39
          +1

          Sub section 3 would apply the driver has to be aware of the incident, obviously different in the east.

          • Blitzfx on 30/05/2021 - 16:11

            @Wayne7497: Can you tell me how it feels for random keyboard-warrior Ozbargain people telling you how to do your job or claiming to know better?

            I can't imagine the annoyance of going through months of training only for a wannabe to say "no you're wrong", much less the general public.

  • annyfication on 29/05/2021 - 16:51
    +1

    This happened to my friend's mum (NSW). She had the cops come take photos of her car to prove there was no damage to her car, and thus could not have been involved in a drive, and ditch.

  • baskinghobo on 29/05/2021 - 16:55
    +4

    ITT: People claiming op is jumping to conclusions by using the race card while simultaneously jumping to conclusions about op.

    • michaeltee on 30/05/2021 - 15:13
      +6

      Thanks, but it's really OK. I came on this Forum to seek help, in particular, the course of action I should take. Some respondents choose to play the man instead of the ball. But that's understandable. We all have demons which we need to exorcise. They are probably good parents, siblings, friends, etc; but behind the keyboard, they need to vent their frustrations. I learn from this experience. I may have placed too much information, and with that, it's a handle which those people used to attack me. So, lesson learnt. That's the benefit of being a 66 years old Senior, most barbs fall off me like water off a duck's back. Thanks to those who have taken the time to provide advice. I am not too proud to seek help, especially since this is my very first time that police has contacted me. Have a great long weekend everybody.

  • telby on 30/05/2021 - 10:28
    +1

    About 30 years ago, a person hit my car while driving out of a car park. Luckily someone got the rego number before they left. When I called the police and gave them the rego number, they called the owner, who admitted to the accident. So even back then, police had phone number details.

  • minniethemoocher on 30/05/2021 - 19:58

    What I don’t understand is how the daughter’s statement is being accepted as a witness. I know when I was in accidents previously the insurance company doesn’t consider a friend or family member as an independent witness so they won’t accept their statement. I sounds like someone is bluffing. You should probably get legal independent advice.

  • pokipop on 30/05/2021 - 22:01

    Hi OP, a similar thing happened to my mum last week in Eastwood Sydney. We had a constable ring a family member in the same household and asked them for driver details because someone supposedly had my mum on dashcam reversing into their car and scratching it a few days prior in the Aldi building carpark. I thought this sounded very suspicious so went in person to the Eastwood police station and confirmed it was a legitimate call from the police. They had the car rego and was just ringing any family member registered to the same household. We asked the police what is my mum supposed to do when she does not even know she hit someone and there is no damage on her car to indicate so. They just said it's a civil matter and we'll have to sort it out on our own unless my mum continues to refuse to exchange details - in which case there will be a fine?? We weren't even allowed to see the said-footage of the incident. My mum was quite stressed at this point so she has exchanged details with the other driver and if we receive a claim, we'll likely pass it on to her comprehensive insurer to sort it out.

    • michaeltee on 31/05/2021 - 09:18
      -2

      Sounds like my case, and I did have the same thing happened to me in Eastwood many years ago (about 5). The difference is that he demanded money. I offered to exchange details, but he refused. So I drove off. Nothing heard since. I spoke to my daughter in Sydney over the weekend. She borrowed one of my cars. It seemed that it happened to her, don't know exactly where, but luckily, her boyfriend was with her. Again, same scenario, money demanded but not willing to show his driving lesson. So far, nothing heard after 2 months. I hope that this type of incidences is not because of my genes.

      • Eeples on 05/06/2021 - 19:12

        In the Eastwood case when did he demand money? At the scene it would seem as you didn't exchange details. Couldn't you have just pointed to your car and say 'no damage to my car so I didn't damage your car'?

        In your daughters scenario again, why couldn't she and her boyfriend just show no damage to her/your car so.. no impact by her/your car?

        genes?… are you suggesting asians are poor parkers because of their genes. I hope you arent!

  • Eeples on 05/06/2021 - 19:01

    FIVE cases of ppl claiming you damaged their cars in parking lots; Two in Sydney, Two in Canberra, One in Queenbeyan.

    Be more careful in parking lots.

    Plainly, if you have no damage or damage repairs to the rear of your vehicle you have nothing to worry about.

  • michaeltee on 09/06/2021 - 16:47
    -1

    Agreed people. Like I said, I probably have Sucker tattoed on my forehead. In the first 4 cases, after pointing out that there was no accident, but still willing to exchange drivers details, they declined. In the current case, she did a runner. There was no note on my car at all, and there was no damage. When I got back to my car after dinner at a restaurant, there were no cars parked to the sides or in front of me. But the allegation has been made. To date, I have no further information

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