Windscreen con artists duping customers: How the scam works

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If there’s one thing criminals are good at, it’s exploiting everyday problems to swindle unsuspecting victims.

And the latest scam is as audacious as it is specific: your car’s windscreen.

According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a disturbing trend has emerged around autoglass replacement centres, where criminals pose as staff members to scam car owners needing windscreen repairs or replacements.

How the scam works

Scammers loiter around legitimate autoglass businesses.
They approach customers posing as employees, offer to inspect the windscreen, and quote a price for a “repair” or replacement.
Victims are asked to pay outside the premises, with a promise that the job will be done shortly.
Once payment is made, the scammers disappear, and the customer only realises they’ve been conned when they contact the actual business.

“It may sound like a simple con to avoid, but unfortunately, several car owners have already been duped,” RUSA said.

How to protect yourself:

Only engage with staff inside the premises of a recognised autoglass business.
Never make payments without:
- An official invoice
- A receipt
- Confirmation from legitimate business channels
If someone offers to help you outside the shop or in a parking lot, consider it a red flag.

Why it matters: Your windscreen is more than just glass

Safety experts stress that driving with a damaged or poorly fitted windscreen is dangerous.

“In a crash, the roof of your car can cave in by up to 30% more without a properly installed or intact windscreen,” Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, warned.

Beyond keeping out wind and rain, your windscreen is a key structural component of your car.

In a collision, it:

Helps absorb impact
Prevents passengers from being ejected
Supports airbag deployment

Bottom line

If you need to fix a chipped or cracked windscreen, go straight to a reputable service centre – and stay inside the building until everything is done.

Don’t let urgency or a friendly face in a branded shirt trick you into handing over your money.

Report any suspicious activity to local authorities or your nearest RUSA office.