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Warnings over collisions in crash for cash scams
New research from the Insurance Fraud Bureau shows that ‘crash for cash’ scammers are evolving tactics to cause collisions. There is also worrying evidence that these fraudsters are increasing the areas within the UK in which they are actively trying to cause collisions. The IFB note that the “gangs are increasingly spreading out from their typical crime hotspots to stage collisions in unsuspecting areas.”
New ‘Crash for cash’ collisions by area:
Here are the top ten new areas (by frequency) that have been targeted by ‘crash for cash’ gangs in the past 12 months according to the IFB. As you can see, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire is fourth on the list:
| 1. Frome, Somerset
2. Worksop, Nottinghamshire 3. Cirencester, Gloucestershire 4. Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire 5. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire |
6. Shrewsbury, Shropshire
7. Warrington, Cheshire 8. Ashby, Leicestershire 9. Leicester, Leicestershire 10. Derby, Derbyshire |
“’Crash for Cash’ fraudsters are known to evolve their tactics and the latest evidence shows that they’ve started spreading out from prominent crime hotspots to less suspecting towns and cities in the hope that they can avoid detection.
“This change in tactic brings home the fact that no matter where people may live, everyone should be on their guard to these reckless car crash scams. To help us stop cases from rising and bring these fraudsters to justice, we urge drivers to look out for signs of ‘Crash for Cash’ scams and to report any evidence of it to us straight away.” ~ Ben Fletcher, Director at the IFB
How to avoid a collision in a ‘crash for cash’ scam
The IFB has this advice for avoiding ‘crash for cash’ scams:
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front, taking into account the road conditions and time to safely stop.
- Stay alert, look ahead and be cautious of other road users
- Know the signs of a ‘crash for cash’ scam which include the driver being unphased about the collision, with exaggerated injuries.
There’s more advice on the Insurance Fraud Bureau‘s website, along with how to report ‘cash for crash’ scams online or by telephone.
About us
Car Magic is based in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. From here we are perfectly situated to serve the three counties of Herts, Beds, and Bucks. We have customers from further away but most of our regular customers are local to our workshop. You can find us in Hog Lane where we are easily reachable from Berkhamsted, Chesham, and Ashley Green.