An investigation by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), and the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) alongside several other insurers has found that the scam is becoming more widespread across the capital. The IFB discovered that 2,250 people in London have been victims of this kind of con over the past two years.

The majority of the fraudsters are suspected to be couriers as they are delivering items such as takeaway food.

Most of the incidents over the ‘crash for cash’ scams have been in areas such as Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Hackney, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea.

As there is little public awareness over this growing scammer trend, it is thought that many more in London have been unknowingly targeted by moped riders.

Ursula Jallow, the 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.”

In response to the scams, Matthew Stevens, the anti-fraud director at 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.”

While Detective Chief Inspector Tom Hill, at City of London Police’s IFED advised: “We urge road users to learn the tell-tale signs that can precede these collisions, as knowing them can help protect you from falling victim. If you suspect you have been targeted, report it to Cheatline.”

What are the ‘crash for cash’ warning signs?

Some of the signs to watch out for include scammers who hide out of sight on a side road, and then drive into the unaware targeted victim. Typically, the scammers will then throw their moped to the ground and then feign an injury before taking pictures of the incident.

Occasionally, the fraudster will have an accomplice to act as a witness in order help any injury claim along. There have also been reports that an accomplice will drive a van, and obscure the scam victim’s view up to point where the planned collision takes place.

The ‘crash for cash’ moped scam incidents in the capital have grown to become the IFB’s biggest ever investigation. A staggering total of £27m worth of bogus claims have been made, with nearly every motor insurer in the country targeted by the scams.