Moped thugs deliberately ram cars to take advantage of insurance | UK | News

An urgent warning has been issued after a rise in ‘crash for cash’ scams, where moped riders deliberately hit motorists to make insurance claims.

More than 4,000 people have been targeted by fraudsters in the past three years, according to a new analysis.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) are investigating the scam as the scammers’ tactics “become increasingly aggressive”.

Authorities said London residents were particularly targeted, but the fraudsters could strike in other parts of the UK where road users may be less aware of the problem.

In this scam, victims are intimidated into admitting responsibility for a collision.

Ursula Jallow, IFB director, said: “Thousands of people have been targeted and the tactics of these shameless scammers are becoming increasingly aggressive.

“For example, we found that women who drive alone or with their children are more targeted.”

Chief Inspector Tom Hill, of City of London Police’s IFED, said: “Moped riders deliberately collide with other vehicles in an attempt to get compensation from insurance companies.

“The value of claims that can be filed for repairs, bodily injury and replacement vehicles makes this an incredibly lucrative opportunity for fraudsters.”

He added: “If you witness a collision or are involved in a collision and suspect it is cash fraud, gather as much information as possible.

“This could include the make and model of the moped, its registration plate or the clothing the driver is wearing. These details can be invaluable in refuting a fraudulent claim.

“Report the incident as soon as possible to the Insurance Fraud Bureau CheatLine.”

In some recent cases, instead of filing a claim, scammers are trying to pressure victims into handing over money – with people considered vulnerable being more likely to be targeted.