Recently, scammers pretending to be helpful windshield cleaners have started targeting drivers at busy intersections. These people, armed with spray bottles and squeegees, clean windshields without asking and then demand money. This “Windshield Oil Film Cleaner Scam” is causing stress in many cities. But what’s really going on, and how can you avoid getting tricked?
What is the Windshield Oil Film Cleaner Scam?
This scam begins when someone walks up to your car at a red light.
They spray a liquid—often claiming it’s a special cleaner for oil film—and clean your windshield without asking.
Then, they demand money.
Sometimes, the liquid they use makes your windshield dirtier, leaving you with the choice to pay or deal with a smeared windshield that can block your view, making driving dangerous.
Many drivers feel pressured to pay because the scammers can be pushy or intimidating.
Even worse, you can’t know for sure what’s in the spray bottle. It could harm your car’s paint or windshield.
These scammers take advantage of drivers who are stuck in traffic, leaving you with little choice but to endure the situation.
Our Opinion
The Windshield Oil Film Cleaner Scam isn’t just annoying; it’s dangerous.
Imagine someone approaching your car aggressively, leaving you with no way out.
For many, this feels scary. Plus, the liquid they use could damage your car, making it harder to see through your windshield.
These scammers count on surprising you and making you uncomfortable. If you don’t pay, they might yell at you or even damage your car.
This behavior is unacceptable. It’s important to stay alert, especially at intersections where these scammers often hang out.
We’re also concerned about the chemicals used in these scams.
Drivers not only feel pressured to pay but may also be left with harmful substances on their cars.
In some cases, this could lead to expensive repairs or even accidents if your vision is blocked.
The best way to handle this is to avoid these scammers entirely.
Stay calm, keep your windows rolled up, and don’t feel like you have to pay for something you didn’t ask for.
As cities work to stop this scam, drivers must stay prepared and alert to protect themselves.
How to Avoid Insurance Windshield Scams
There’s another scam to watch out for: insurance windshield scams. Here, scammers pretend to work for an auto glass repair company.
They might approach you in a parking lot or at a gas station, saying your windshield has a crack they can fix.
They often claim the repair will be free or cheap because they’ll handle the insurance for you.
In reality, these scammers may damage your windshield on purpose or overcharge your insurance company.
This can lead to higher premiums, and they might even steal your personal information.
Here’s how to avoid this scam:
- Don’t let strangers inspect your car: Be cautious of anyone who offers to fix your windshield out of nowhere. If you think there’s damage, go to a trusted repair shop.
- Check their credentials: Always ask for ID and make sure they work for a real, well-known company before agreeing to any repairs.
- Handle your own insurance claims: If you need to file a claim, contact your insurance provider directly. Don’t let someone else do it for you, especially if they approached you.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers: Legitimate companies usually don’t approach people in parking lots or on the street.
By staying cautious, you can protect yourself from both the windshield cleaner scam and insurance fraud.
It’s always better to politely decline and drive away than risk becoming a victim.
Hurrain Ecommerce Ventures claims to be a venture capital and consulting company from London.
