Authorities in the UK have issued a warning about the rising number of moped scammers who are deliberately driving into motorists in what has become a growing insurance scam. The “crash for cash” scam is believed to be orchestrated by couriers, including those delivering takeaways, according to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). In this type of scam, the fraudsters hide out of sight in a side road or parking space, and then deliberately drive into the victim’s vehicle as they head towards them. They then dramatize an injury by throwing their moped to the ground and dropping to the floor, before taking photos of the incident. The fraudster may also have an accomplice who acts as a witness and helps facilitate the scam. In some cases, an accomplice uses a van to obscure the victim’s view before the moped drives into them, making the scam easier to carry out.
Unlike traditional crash for cash scams, where fraudsters slam on their car’s brake in the hope that the victim behind cannot stop in time, this moped scam involves mopeds being driven at oncoming cars. The scam is becoming more brazen, and it is feared that thousands of drivers across the UK have been targeted, with more than 2,200 victims in London alone over the last two years. The scam has collectively cost insurers £27m, and nearly every UK insurer has received bogus claims related to the fraud.
The Targeted Victims
The scam has been going on for at least ten years, with a surge in incidents being reported since 2021 across London boroughs, including Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Hackney, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea. The IFB’s biggest-ever investigation is now focused on tackling this issue. These fraudsters often target affluent areas, and residents in North London are being advised to be vigilant of any moped users who appear to be lingering unnecessarily on public roads.
The Danger and Impact of the Scam
The rise of this type of fraud is not only having a negative impact on insurance premiums, but it is also very dangerous. The criminals who orchestrate this type of scam have no regard for public safety or innocent and unsuspecting road users. Victims are often left traumatised following these incidents, and insurers are facing millions of pounds in bogus claims. The Association of British Insurers has called staged crash for cash scams “a dangerous menace on our roads,” and says that these criminals put lives at risk. The industry is determined to protect innocent motorists from these frauds and is working collaboratively to drive this scourge from the UK’s roads.
If you think you have been targeted in a crash for cash moped scam, you should contact the police immediately if you feel in any immediate danger and inform your insurer of the incident. Evidence of the scam can be reported to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline service, via an online form or by calling 0800 422 0421.
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