Warning over new 'crash for cash' moped delivery driver scam

Around 2,250 people in London alone are believed to have been victim of the scam in the past two years, where this type of fraud has become 'epidemic'.

By Camilla Canocchi for Thisismoney.co.uk

Published: 03:07 AEST, 21 June 2023 | Updated: 05:42 AEST, 21 June 2023

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Drivers are being warned to watch out for a new 'crash for cash' scam involving moped delivery drivers deliberately crashing into oncoming traffic for compensation.

Around 2,250 people in London alone are believed to have been victim of the scam in the past two years, where this type of fraud has become 'epidemic', according to the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

Investigators said that nearly every UK motor insurer has received bogus claims related to the fraud for a total estimated value of £27million.

Scroll down for footage of a crash for cash moped scam that took place in London

Warning: Nearly every UK motor insurer has received bogus claims related to the moped fraud

Many of the suspected fraudsters are believed to be couriers delivering items such as take-aways and are predominantly targeting drivers in North London's most affluent areas.

The IFB, in collaboration with the City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) and the insurance industry, has launched an appeal to help motorists recognise the warning signs and report evidence to Cheatline.

Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters slam on their car's brake in hope that the victim behind can't stop in time, this con involves mopeds being driven at oncoming cars.

The moped scammer hides out of sight in a side road or parking space, and then deliberately drives into the victim as they head towards them.

They then usually throw their moped to the ground and drop to the floor to dramatise an injury, before taking photos of the incident.

The fraudster sometimes has an accomplice to act as a witness and help facilitate the fraud.

There have also been reports of the accomplice using a van to help obscure the victim's view before the moped drives into them, making the scam easier to carry out.

'Locals are encouraged to be vigilant of any moped users who appear to be lingering unnecessarily on public roads,' investigators said.

Most reported incidents have taken place in North London.

Crash for cash moped incidents date as far back as ten years ago, according to the IFB and IFED's ongoing investigations.

However, since 2021 there has been a surge in activity with collisions reported across London's most affluent boroughs, including Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Hackney, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea.

Ursula Jallow, director at IFB, said: 'Crash for cash moped scams have become epidemic in our capital.

'These dangerous fraudsters are driving head-first into unsuspecting motorists, leaving countless victims terrified and insurers facing millions of pounds in bogus claims.'

The issue of crash for cash moped scams in the capital has now grown to become IFB's biggest ever investigation.

Mark Allen, head of fraud and financial services at the Association of British Insurers, said: 'Staged crash for cash scams are a dangerous menace on our roads.

'Often highly organised, and constantly looking for new targets to exploit, these criminals put lives at risk.

'The industry is determined to do all it can to protect innocent motorists from these frauds through working collaboratively to drive this scourge from our roads.'

If someone thinks they have been targeted in a crash for cash moped scam, they should contact their local police force if they feel in any immediate danger and inform their insurer of the incident.

Evidence of the scam should be reported to IFB's confidential Cheatline service, via an online form or the phoneline, powered by CrimeStoppers, at 0800 422 0421.

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