Urgent warning after rise in number of moped scammers deliberately crashing into cars to make false insurance claims

Fraudsters are deliberately ramming other vehicles on mopeds in order to make false insurance claims, law enforcement authorities warn.

More than 4,000 people have fallen victim to “Crash for Cash” scams in the last three years, according to an analysis of fraudulent claims received by 21 insurers.

The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) are investigating the ‘crash for cash’ trend in the insurance industry and offering advice on how to avoid moped scams.

The organisations said that people in London are particularly targeted, but scammers may also strike in other parts of the UK where road users are less aware of the problem.

Scammers often intimidate victims to get them to admit responsibility for an accident.

Law enforcement agencies are warning of an increase in moped-riding fraudsters deliberately crashing into vehicles to make false insurance claims. Pictured: A victim who was involved in a fake accident

A moped driver is involved in a “cash for crash” scandal on a London street

In some recent cases, they have attempted to pressure victims into handing over cash rather than making a claim. People who are considered particularly vulnerable are more likely to be targeted.

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

“For example, we found that women who drive alone or with their children are more likely to be victims of assault.”

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Hill of the City of London Police's IFED said: “Moped riders deliberately ram other vehicles in order to get compensation from insurance companies.”

In some cases, victims were pressured to hand over cash

“The amount of claims that can be made for repairs, personal injuries and replacement vehicles makes this an incredibly lucrative opportunity for fraudsters.”

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

“This could be the make and model of the moped, its license plate or the clothing the driver is wearing. These details can be invaluable in disproving a fraudulent claim. Report the incident to the Insurance Fraud Bureau's CheatLine as soon as possible.”