Inspect your vehicles. Vehicles that are obviously rental cars, such as being marked in a certain way or having rental car stickers on them, can alert a scammer that you are a tourist and make you an easy victim.
Know when a flat tire occurs in a place it usually shouldn't. Some scammers plant materials intended to cause a flat tire on roads or in your path--especially on routes that are commonly taken by tourists.
Look at your flat tire closely. Unexplained nails and other sharp objects should be assumed to be a set up for a scam.
Exercise caution if two or more people in one vehicle try to get you to pull over. They will likely signal that your tire is flat and have you pull over. One person will get out of the car and help you change the flat tire while another takes advantage of the distraction to take luggage out of your car.
Familiarize yourself with your destination's local laws and terrain. Study maps before you drive in an unfamiliar place. Call the local police to inquire about official roadside assistance before traveling and always keep their phone number with you. Travel with a trusted partner and prepare an emergency kit before your drive so that you will not have to rely on a stranger's help to replace your tire.
