As I got closer, I saw it was a 50-euro note! No one was around. I was very surprised – who would leave money on my car?

At first, I thought maybe a kind stranger wanted to “reward” me for something. But for what? I didn’t understand, so I decided to ask a friend for advice.

My friend was concerned and said: “You probably haven’t heard about the new scam trick.” And then he explained how it works.

Turns out this scheme is becoming more common across Europe, especially during the summer.

Scammers place a fake banknote on a car’s windshield – usually in a spot where the driver notices it only after getting into the vehicle.

Instinctively, people get out to grab the “found money.” And here’s the dangerous part: in their rush, many forget to take the key out of the ignition or to lock the doors.

This creates the perfect opportunity for a thief. They run up, hop in, and drive away. In a matter of seconds, your car is gone.

Police warn: these “gifts” are usually counterfeit bills. Scammers don’t risk their own money. If the driver doesn’t fall for it, they just wait for the next victim.

So if you ever see a banknote on your windshield – don’t get out of the car right away! First, make sure you have the key in your hand, the doors are locked, and no one suspicious is nearby.