Drivers pay the price in premiums as 'cash-for-crash' moped scams soar

by · Mail Online

Scams involving moped riders deliberately crashing into other vehicles for bogus insurance claims have soared four-fold, new figures show. 

Drivers are paying the price as 'cash for cash' moped scams has skyrocketed by 380 per cent in the last twelve months, according to insurance company Direct Line. 

'Cash for crash' moped scams, sees scooterists stage accidents to make fraudulent claims, with perpetrators sometimes hiding in side roads or parking spaces before purposefully ramming into oncoming vehicles.

Sometimes fraudsters will hit their brakes, sending them flying to the ground so they can feign injury before snapping pictures of the incident, with the con artists often intimidating victims to try to get them to admit fault in a collision 

As of August, 4,000 people had been targeted by 'crash for cash' schemes in the past three years, analysis of fraudulent claims received by 21 insurers showed. 

 Scammers on mopeds deliberately crashing into other vehicles to make bogus insurance claims has soared by four-fold, figures show (Pictured: A victim involved in a bogus collision)
A moped driver in a 'cash for crash' scandal on a road in London

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) were investigating the trend specific type of scam. 

However - according to Direct Line's intelligence manager, Sarah Cashford - there has been a 'exponentially massive rise' in this type of scam due to new hourly pay-as-you go policies being ushered in for delivery drivers. 

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Scammers working out it is easier to claim compensation as a moped drivers as well as whiplash reforms blocking drivers from claiming compensation, and encouraging fraudsters to claim for more injuries has seen a spike in scams, she explained. 

Ms Cashford told the Telegraph: 'When you come off a moped, different things could happen to your body. It is obviously going to increase your personal injury reward.'

Some cases has seen fraudster try to pressure victims into handing over cash instead of making a claim, with the more vulnerable more likely to be targeted. 

The insurance company divulged that the increase in 'crash-for-cash' moped scams has caused drivers to deter from their usual routes in a bid to avoid scammers. 

Ms Cashford branded roundabouts as 'hotspots' for this specific type of motoring insurance scam. 

Helen alleged she had fallen victim to a moped scam in south London after being signalled by a moped driver to come forward before they allegedly careered into the wheel of her car
Some recent cases have seen victims pressurised into handing over cash instead of drivers making claims, meaning those who are seemingly more vulnerable being targeted

'These moped riders sometimes look for quiet areas, so there are no witnesses,' head of intelligence at Direct Line, Mr Stuart Stevens added: 'They'll look for people that are in their own car.'

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Warning as surge in 'crash for cash' moped scammers who deliberately plough into cars

According to a survey conducting by the insurance company, motorists in London, the North-West and East Midlands are most frightened about being caught up in a 'crash-for-cash' scheme. 

The experts advised anyone who unfortunately falls victim to this type of scam take the suspected fraudsters details there and them by calling them or looking up their registration details. 

Despite dash cams also being a good tool, they are also sometimes narrow in their view of the road, therefore Direct Line recommended having a phone to hand so drivers can capture imagery at the scene. 

Mr Stevens added: 'The good thing about a phone is that - obviously don't use it when your driving - but you can use it to show the damage or lack of damage to the vehicle.' 

Five ways to stay vigilant of scams

1. Stay aware of anyone on a moped or motorcycle who is lingering unnecessarily or trying to hide out of sight at the end or side of a road or behind parked vehicles.

2. The moped scammer may drive head-on into their victim's vehicle and then throw their moped down and even drop to the floor to fake an injury, before taking photos of the incident.

3. Many moped scammers work with an accomplice to act as a witness and help facilitate the fraud. They may also use a van to obscure the victim's view.

4. If someone is targeted, collect as much information about the incident as possible, including details of the other road user, any witnesses, photographs and recordings (local CCTV or dashcam footage).

5. If someone thinks they have been targeted, they should tell their insurer and contact their local police force. Evidence of the scam can be reported to IFB's confidential CheatLine service on an online form, or the phoneline powered by CrimeStoppers at 0800 422 0421.