The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning motorists about ‘crash for cash’ scams. They’re urging people to not be pressured into handing over unnecessary details following an accident.
This includes photos of insurance certificates and driving licenses.
Crash for cash scams typically involve moped drivers staging accidents and purposefully crashing into victims. They then persuade the victims, who are often confused or distressed, to show them a copy of their insurance certificate or driving license and then taking photos of them.
These details can be used in a wide range of financial crimes, including taking out fraudulent insurance policies. Last summer, the IFB reported that over 1,100 fraudulent motor insurance policies were taken out using stolen information.
There has been a rise in crash for cash scams in recent years, with victims mostly being women driving alone or with children. Elderly people are also targeted.
John Davies, IFB intelligence and investigations manager, said:
“This latest trend shows just how relentless moped scammers are, as not only are they putting innocent road users at risk and accusing them of causing collisions, they’re now stealing their details to commit financial crime and it’s having a horrendous impact on victims.”
“It’s important to remember, if you’ve had an accident and the other driver wants a photo of your insurance certificate or driving licence, that’s a red flag – you need to share your name, address and vehicle registration number. Don’t be pressured into handing over anything unnecessary.”
Detective Inspector Marek Coghill from City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) said:
“These crashes often occur at low speed, particularly junctions, incurring minor or no impact, and little damage to either vehicle.
“The value of the insurance claims is often inflated, for repairs, storage, and replacement vehicles, which makes this lucrative criminal activity attractive for fraudsters.
“It is important that the public remain alert to this type of fraud, and we encourage communities to share knowledge of this offending.
“If you witness or are involved in a collision and suspect it is crash for cash fraud, gather as much information as possible. This could be the make and model of the moped, its number plate, livery, or the clothing that the driver is wearing. These details could be invaluable in disproving a fraudulent claim.”
Tips on avoiding crash for cash scams
- Stay alert
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front
- Be wary of any erratic driving or unusual occupant behaviour
If you think you’ve been a victim of a crash for cash scam
- Do not confront the other driver. Exchange details as legally required.
- Note down as much information as possible about the driver and the incident
- Make your insurance provider aware of the incident
- Contact IFB CheatLine
Further reading
Driver and passenger claims – Oakwood Solicitors
Crash for Cash – Insurance Fraud Bureau
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Author: Aditi Zamvar
