An pressing warning has been issued after an increase in ‘crash for money’ scams the place moped drivers are intentionally crashing into motorists to make insurance coverage claims.
Greater than 4,000 individuals have been focused by fraudsters up to now three years, new evaluation has proven.
The Insurance coverage Fraud Bureau (IFB) and Metropolis of London Police’s Insurance coverage Fraud Enforcement Division (IFED) are investigating the scheme, because the scammers’ ways are “changing into more and more aggressive”.
The our bodies stated individuals in London are being significantly focused – however the fraudsters may strike in different components of the UK the place highway customers could also be much less conscious of the difficulty.
As a part of the rip-off, victims are intimidated to attempt to get them to confess fault in a collision.
Ursula Jallow, director of the IFB, stated: “Hundreds of individuals have been focused, and these shameless scammers’ ways have gotten more and more aggressive.
“As an illustration, we have discovered ladies who’re driving alone or with their kids are being focused extra.”
Detective chief inspector Tom Hill, of Metropolis of London Police’s IFED, stated: “Moped drivers are intentionally crashing into different automobiles with the aim of gaining compensation from insurance coverage firms.
“The worth of the claims that may be lodged for repairs, private damage and substitute automobiles makes this an extremely profitable alternative for fraudsters.”
He added: “When you witness or are concerned in a collision and suspect it’s crash for money fraud, collect as a lot info as doable.
“This may very well be the make and mannequin of the moped, its quantity plate or the clothes that the driving force is sporting. These particulars may very well be invaluable in disproving a fraudulent declare.
“Report the incident as quickly as doable to the Insurance coverage Fraud Bureau’s CheatLine.”
In some latest instances, as an alternative of constructing a declare, scammers attempt to stress victims into handing over money – with these thought of to be susceptible extra more likely to be focused.
