Mexico City's 'Montachoques': How Car Accident Scammers Operate

Mexico City Car Accident Scams: How 'Montachoques' Target Victims Mexico City is grappling with a growing problem: "montachoques," or car accident scammers. These individuals intentionally cause minor accidents to extort money from unsuspecting drivers. A recent ADN40 video highlights their methods, using footage from a TikTok video created by "yulay.real" as evidence. The scammers target vehicles that appear expensive, often checking insurance status through apps like Repuve and AMIS. "They choose their victims based on the car's condition; if it looks well-maintained, they assume the owner has money," explains Daniel Jacobo, the ADN40 journalist who produced the video. The scammers then use two cars to stage accidents, making the targeted driver appear at fault. The video shows how the scammers use apps to quickly check vehicle details, ensuring they target victims who are less likely to have insurance coverage. The financial incentives are significant, with potential earnings ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 pesos per incident. "It's all planned so you look like you're at fault," Jacobo states. The ADN40 video serves as a crucial public service announcement, raising awareness about this prevalent scam. By highlighting the tactics used by the "montachoques," the video empowers drivers to be more vigilant and avoid becoming victims.