Following the Government's easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in England which allows for certain open-air sports activities, more shops to be open and outdoor meetings with one other household member – an increase in road traffic is widely anticipated.
While times of economic hardship are widely seen an opportunity for fraudsters, 'Crash for Cash' scammers largely depend on public roads and innocent motorists to commit their reckless crimes, and have been less able to carry out their offences during the lockdown.
The IFB which receives reports of insurance fraud from the public via its Cheatline saw a big drop in 'Crash for Cash' reports during the lockdown, leaving serious concerns that as cars begin to return to the roads, the 'Crash for Cash' scammers will also abruptly re-emerge.
We urge motorists to take a short moment to educate themselves on the warning signs of 'Crash for Cash' scams and our safe driving tips
"We've seen many innocent motorists seriously injured and sadly in some cases killed, all because callous fraudsters want to make some money. The lockdown made it harder for 'Crash for Cash' scammers to facilitate their crime, so after weeks of reduced activity, we have serious concerns they will return in a big burst. We urge motorists to take a short moment to educate themselves on the warning signs of 'Crash for Cash' scams and our safe driving tips – it could save them from falling victim. And crucially if you think you've been a victim, you can report suspicions of insurance fraud to our Cheatline". – Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at IFB.
Source: Insurance Fraud Bureau