Sharp Rise in ‘Crash for Cash’ Scams in London
Crash for cash scams, where moped riders deliberately ram into cars to make fraudulent insurance claims, have seen a dramatic increase in recent years. According to leading insurer Allianz, these crimes have increased sixtyfold in 2023, with London being the most affected area. South London, in particular, experienced 42% of the city’s reported incidents.
One area in south London, Wallington, has been targeted so frequently that residents created a WhatsApp group in May to share reports and warn each other. Ros Karamath, a member of the group, shared her experience of being a victim of this scam. While waiting at a junction, she was waved across the road by a moped rider who had stopped traffic. As she pulled away, another moped rider crashed into the front of her car. Karamath noticed that the rider who caused the collision immediately began taking photographs of the scene, while the other rider quickly left. She believes that she was targeted by fraudsters who work in pairs and often target lone women drivers.
The police confirm this pattern, stating that the criminals target one area for a period before moving on once people become aware. Matt Crabtree, head of financial crime intelligence and investigation strategy at Allianz, explains that organized criminal gangs have evolved their tactics to avoid detection. They now move around and use small clusters across wider areas.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) reports that between 2021 and 2023, 2250 London drivers fell victim to crash for cash scams involving bike riders, with many of the suspected fraudsters being couriers.
Cracking Down on Crash for Cash Scams
To combat this crime, the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) is working with Trading Standards officers to identify rogue businesses involved in repairing damaged mopeds and scooters. In a joint operation, they seized mopeds believed to have been used in crashes and hundreds of number plates used to disguise bikes. The police are establishing links between garages suspected of being used by fraudsters and individuals profiting from the crimes.
The IFB estimates that the value of bogus bike claims now exceeds £27 million, and many motorists have been victims without realizing it. Jon Radford, head of intelligence, investigations, and data services at the IFB, emphasizes the devastating impact of these scams on innocent road users and urges the public to be vigilant. Collaboration between insurers, the police, and the IFB is crucial in bringing these fraudsters to justice.
Protecting Yourself from Crash for Cash Scams
To avoid becoming a victim of crash for cash scams, it is essential to be vigilant and aware of unusual driving behavior, especially at junctions. If you suspect a scam, document the scene by taking photos of the suspected fraudster’s motorbike and your own vehicle. Make a note of the rider’s information, vehicle registration, and vehicle description. It is also crucial to seek witnesses and check for nearby CCTV, dashcam, and doorbell cameras. Finally, inform your insurer and report any suspicions to the Insurance Fraud Bureau Cheatline.
By staying alert and taking these precautions, motorists can protect themselves from falling victim to these dangerous and costly scams.
