Birmingham, Bradford and Walsall are the UK’s worst postcodes for ‘crash for cash’ frauds, according to the industry body the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). According to the IFB, of 2.7 million motor insurance claims made across the UK in between October 2019 and the end of 202, over 170,000 could be linked to suspected ‘Crash for Cash’ gangs.
Such scams can range from paper-based fabrications, or vehicles damaged behind closed doors, to more dangerous collisions caused by fraudsters with innocent road users. ‘Accidents’ typically happen when the criminal slams on the brakes at a junction or roundabout, in the hope that the driver behind won’t stop in time. Some fraudsters also do this with an accomplice that drives erratically in front of them, so they can divert the victim’s suspicions by blaming the driver in front, the IFB says. It reports also innocent drivers being crashed into by fraudsters after being encouraged to pull out of side roads, or when creeping forward for a better view.
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels, Head of the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “‘Crash for Cash’ fraud is damaging to the public in many ways. Most critical is the threat it poses to the safety of road users, as criminals target innocent drivers by deliberately crashing into them. These induced collisions could have potentially grave consequences and the traumatic experience could have a lasting effect on the victim. We have seen time and time again that ‘Crash for Cash’ fraudsters do not care about the safety of their victims, with a trio even targeting a pregnant woman in 2019.”
“The staging, or fabrication of collisions is often seen as a victimless crime. In reality, this fraud costs everyone by increasing the price of insurance premiums, meaning that honest policy holders are faced with higher costs. IFED is committed to combatting ‘Crash for Cash’ criminals, whether they are opportunistic fraudsters or part of a wider organised crime group. We will continue to work collaboratively with the industry to stop this type of fraud and to educate the public on how best to protect themselves.”
The authorities advise:
Drive safe and stick to the highway code.
Look ahead to spot any potential hazards including unusual driving behaviour.
Focus on vehicles and not just their lights, as fraudsters often disable brake lights.
Be cautious when pulling out of a side road, especially if encouraged by another driver.
If other drivers or their passengers are behaving suspiciously, or the condition of their vehicle is poor (such as rear dents), stay calm and keep back.
The signs of a ‘Crash for Cash’ may include:
The driver or their passengers appear to be unphased after the collision.
The driver or their passengers appear to exaggerate injuries.
Pre-written insurance information is handed over.
When reporting ‘Crash for Cash’, remember to note as much information as possible about the driver, any passengers and circumstances of the collision. This can include written information, pictures, dashcam footage and note of CCTV in the area.
Evidence of a ‘Crash for Cash’ scam can be reported to the IFB’s confidential and anonymous Cheatline (run by the charity Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421 or at www.insurancefraudbureau.org/cheatline.
