Dubbed ‘hide and crash’, the latest method employed is an evolution of previous tactics and involves a fraudster hiding in a driver’s blind spot, before moving quickly in front to ‘slam on’ the brakes. The warning issues by AX, which exposed the ‘flash for crash’ scams, by which a fraudster will flash their headlights to invite an innocent driver to pull out of a junction, before accelerating to cause a collision, comes as it names the Top Five most common tactics used currently by fraudsters to induce accidents and make bogus insurance claims.
‘Crash for cash’ is a problem that costs the industry £340m annually, leading to inflated premiums for both motorists and businesses. The latest ‘hide and crash’ trend was noticed, when AX detected several suspicious claims displaying near identical characteristics.
Neil Thomas, Director of Investigative Services at AX, explained: “This new tactic is a dangerous progression of the existing ‘slam on’ approach. Criminals can take cover in a driver’s blind spot, wait for the ideal moment, then accelerate and move into their pathway before slamming on the brakes.”
Other trends saw ‘flash for crash’ crop-up regularly, as well as the long-established round-about ‘slam on’.
TOP 5 TACTICS USED TO INDUCE ACCIDENTS
(According to Neil Thomas)
1. Traditional 'slam on' accidents
The vehicle in front intentionally slams on the brakes to catch out the driver behind.
2. Flash for crash
When a driver flashes their lights to beckon another vehicle forward but then drives into them.
3. Crash for ready cash
A third party requests cash to fix their vehicle after they have induced a collision
4. Hide and crash
Where a criminal 'hides' in the blind spot of another car before moving in front and breaking hard
5. Hire and crash
Where a criminal hires a car and stages and accident with another vehicle, usually someone they know (which happens a lot abroad).
Neil added: “Detecting new methods deployed by gangs is notoriously difficult and without video evidence, it is often difficult to prove who was really at fault. Intelligence-sharing among insurers and the authorities can help but drivers should always be vigilant. Collectively, we can minimise the impact of these increasingly sophisticated criminals.”
Roundabouts were the most common locations seen for suspected crash-for-cash scams, while busy motorways and urban areas with frequent sets of traffic lights are also considered danger spots. Ultimately, fraudsters look for places, where it is unlikely and often unsafe for potential witnesses to stop.
TOP 5 LOCATIONS FAVOURED BY FRAUDSTERS
1. Major Roundabouts
Motorists can be distracted by multiple road signs and signals.
2. Small out-of-town roundabouts
Fraudsters have an easy escape route and no CCTV.
3. Busy motorways
e.g. 'Hide and crash' incidents
4. Traffic lights
Potential witnesses will be reluctant to stop and help.
5. Turning from a side road
The motor fraud investigation team at AX, known formerly as APU Ltd, was established ten years ago to combine technology with human intelligence. Staffed by former police officers and forensic data analysts, it has been successful in facilitating numerous motor fraud prosecutions in the UK thanks to its covert technology and in-vehicle connected devices.
In terms of motorists protecting themselves from fraudulent claims, Neil advises: “It is hard to avoid being a victim of a staged accident but watch for passengers looking back, and do not interpret flashing headlights as an automatic invitation to pull out of a side road. In the event of an accident, drivers should take a few simple steps to guard against fraud. Count the number of occupants and ask for names. Then be sure to note the registration plates of the other vehicles. This is critical information which is easy to miss in heat of the moment but can help insurers and fraud experts build up a true picture of events.”
TOP TIPS FOR MOTORISTS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
1. Count number of occupants
2. Ask for all names of occupants
3. Note registration plate/s of other vehicle/s
4. Take photographs of the cars before they are moved
5. Look for independent witnesses or CCTV or use dashcam footage
6. Keep safe in case others become aggresive
