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Stay safe out there! Typically, the police are a helpful resource. But sometimes people like to impersonate police officers to commit crimes. Look out for these obvious signs to determine if a fake cop is pulling you over. 

How to spot a fake cop 

If you’re driving responsibly or following traffic laws and suddenly get pulled over, then you could be targeted by a fake cop. 

Criminals impersonate police officers to get away with stealing cars, harming people, and kidnapping people. 

Fake police officers are more common at night, to get away with their crimes under the cover of darkness. Keep that in mind when alone in your car at night. 

Impersonators often use an ‘undercover’ or unmarked car to catch their victims because they don’t have access to squad cars. 

First of all, think about if you’ve broken any traffic laws. Impersonators will make up a reason to stop you. 

Consider the make and model that the person is driving. Popular squad cars include the Ford Mustang, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Ford Crown Victoria. 

A police officer giving someone a speeding ticket
A police officer writing a ticket | iStock

You can call 911 to see if you’re legitimately being pulled over. Describe the car’s make, model, license plate number, and location. Then the 911 dispatcher will check with the local police. 

Don’t pull over on the side of a dark highway, Turn your flashers on and find a lit-up area like a gas station with fellow pedestrians around before you stop. 

If you pull over, keep your doors locked and your windows rolled up until you determine if the officer is legit. They will be wearing a uniform with their badge number displayed. If they’re in regular clothes, that’s a red flag. 

Also, a police officer will let you see their badge. If they flash it quickly then something might be up. You can ask for their police officer identification card too. The documents can be passed through a barely cracked window. 

Observer how your officer reacts upon being asked for their credentials. Frustration and anger are red flags.

They may even try to break into your car, at which point you should drive away or call 911. If they immediately flee then they’re a fake cop.

It’s good to be familiar with the laws in your state. They may only allow officers to pull people over when they’re in full uniform. Police uniforms can’t be purchased by the public.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.