That sounds like a tricky situation. I think things like that happen in Europe as well, I've had it happen to me a few times.

Here it's not as common I think, although I can only assume things like this occur here too. On the open road people fake being broken down in their cars and wave for assistance. When people stop trouble can occur. Being broken down in a remote area can be bad and the Australian way is to stop and help but people are becoming more reluctant these days because of the risks.

It's sad really, but just another way human greed and hubris is changing behaviours generally.