Fraudsters on mopeds are driving head-first into motorists in a rising insurance scam that has claimed thousands of victims, authorities have warned.
Many of the “crash for cash” moped scammers are believed to be couriers delivering items including takeaways, according to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).
Nearly every UK insurer has received bogus claims related to the fraud – collectively valued at £27m – with more than 2,200 victims in London alone in the last two years, where it has “become epidemic”, investigators say.
It is feared thousands more drivers have unknowingly been targeted across the country – and an urgent appeal has now been launched to help motorists learn the warning signs of the scam.
How does the scam work?
Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters slam on their car’s brake in hope that the victim behind cannot 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 scam.
There have also been reports of an accomplice using a van to help obscure the victim’s view before the moped drives into them, making the scam easier to carry out.
Most reported incidents have taken place in north London, where residents have been told to be vigilant of any moped users who appear to be lingering unnecessarily on public roads.
Pic: IFB/Hastings Direct
Who’s being targeted?
Incidents date back as far as 10 years ago, according to the IFB and the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED).
There has been a surge in incidents since 2021 across London boroughs, including Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Hackney, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea – with affluent areas often targeted.
The issue of crash for cash moped scams in the capital has now grown to become the IFB’s biggest ever investigation.
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.”
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‘A dangerous menace on our roads’
Matthew Stevens, anti-fraud director at insurer Hastings Direct, said this type of fraud “not only has a negative impact on insurance premiums, it is also very dangerous”.
“It is a clear demonstration that these criminals have no regard for public safety and no concern for innocent and unsuspecting road users, who are often left traumatised following these incidents,” he added.
Mark Allen, from 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.”
Anyone who thinks they have been targeted in a crash for cash moped scam can contact police if they feel in any immediate danger and inform their insurer of the incident.
Evidence of the scam can be reported to IFB’s confidential Cheatline service, via an online form or by calling 0800 422 0421.