Is a stranger who claims my phone screen is cracked or broken trying to scam me?
Yes. This is a distraction scam where someone creates a false claim to initiate a conversation that ends in theft or a fake repair payment.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Distraction-based street scams take many forms. In the 'broken phone' variant, a scammer approaches claiming your phone screen is cracked or that they saw you drop something. While you are distracted examining your phone, an accomplice steals from your bag or pockets. A separate version involves an 'accidental' collision and subsequent demand for compensation — claiming you broke something or that they were injured. In a third version, the scammer offers to fix the damage but demands payment for parts or labour, delivers no genuine repair, and disappears. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, do not hand your phone to strangers, and step away from anyone who approaches you with unsolicited attention to your possessions.
Common red flags
- Stranger draws your attention to a supposed problem with your possessions
- You feel someone brush against you or are jostled in a crowd
- Person insists on handling your phone or personal items
- Offer to 'fix' a problem for an immediate cash payment
What to do now
- Move away from the individual calmly and check your pockets and bags
- Report theft to local police and note the description of the individual
- Do not hand cash to strangers claiming compensation for an alleged incident
- If your real phone is damaged, use an official repair service
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if someone demands compensation after a minor collision?
Stay calm, do not offer money on the spot, and suggest exchanging contact details. If genuine injury occurred, insurance and proper legal channels exist. Scammers typically leave when faced with a calm, non-panicked response.