Beware: Daylight robbery scam targets Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway travelers

Several cases of daylight robbery have been reported on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway, particularly in areas like Channarayapatna and Maddur. In these incidents, robbers on bikes deceive car travelers by falsely claiming that their car’s tire is on fire, leading to thefts.

Recently, Ashokavardhan, a Mangaluru resident, was traveling to Bengaluru with his wife when two bikers approached near Channarayapatna. They pointed to the front tire of Ashokavardhan’s car, signaling him to stop. However, recalling similar incidents, Ashokavardhan ignored them and sped away. The bikers then came from the left side and gestured as if smoke was coming from the car.

When Ashokavardhan stopped, the bikers approached and told him that smoke was coming from the car’s tire and suggested something might be wrong with the engine. They asked him to lift the car’s bonnet. Since Ashokavardhan was aware of previous such incidents, he refused and continued towards Bengaluru, thereby avoiding a robbery. He later shared this incident on his Facebook page.

Similar incidents have also occurred with two other individuals from the coastal region. Believing the bikers’ claims to be true, one lost Rs. 7,000, while another was robbed of Rs. 27,000.

These fraudsters operate in deserted areas of the highway and approach vehicles claiming there’s a problem.

Drivers are advised to ignore such claims. If concerned, they should stop in more populated areas and check their vehicles.

If the car’s bonnet is opened as per the robbers’ request, they use substances like camphor to create smoke and make it appear as though there is a fire. They then falsely claim that a part of the engine has burned out and offer to fix it, charging exorbitant amounts for the fake service.

Ashokavardhan urges travelers to stay vigilant and cautious of such scams on the highway.