Today (22/05/2024) I hosted a Westminster Hall debate to raise the issue of 'Crash for Cash' scams taking place in Carshalton in Wallington, but also across the rest of the UK.
There are three principal types of crash for cash scams:
1. Induced accidents which involve fraudsters targeting an innocent motorist to be the "at fault driver" often by suddenly breaking to ensure the car behind crashes into them.
2. Staged accidents which involve fraudsters crashing their own vehicles or mimicking damage from genuine crashes using tools like sledgehammers.
3. Fabricated accidents involve fraudsters submitting false claims for accidents that never occured.
I have heard awful stories from how these crash for cash scams are affecting many of my constituents. It is vital that awareness is raised of this issue and motorists have the knowledge to protect themselves which the Police and Government work together to put this issue to bed.
Some important tips are:
- Maintain a sade distance from other vehicles, ensuring you can break in good time.
- Following the Highway Code and look ahead for potential hazards, including unusual driving behaviour.
- Notice if the other driver is too calm, has pre-written insurance details, or if their injuries seem exaggerated.
- If involved in a suspected crash for cash incident, gather as much information as possible, including written details, photos, dashcam footgae, and noting any nearby CCTV.
- Report the incident to your insurer, the local police and IFB's Cheatline.
By staying vigilant and informed, we can protect ourselves and help combat the scourge of crash for cash scams.
Responding to the debate, the Minister for Security, Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP, highlighted a number of points. He was clear that while there is still a lot that we must do with moped-enabled crash-for-cash schemes on the rise, and I am pleased that he confirmed this was a matter of huge importance to the Government.
He reiterated several areas where the Government has already taken steps to help with both Cash for Crash scheme, but also fraud more broadly, such as:
- 400 new officers for the National Fraud Squad – thanks to their efforts and the City of London police, fraud is down 16% year on year, building on 13% last year – showing we are moving in the right direction on fraud more generally.
- Work is taking place across all 43 police forces of England and Wales to support more victims from Action Fraud, as part of the Governments Fraud strategy.
- Working with the Government’s Fraud Champion to ensure that all work in the area comes together, including working with not just the police, but solicitors, regulatory authorities, the insurance industry and the various other organisations with oversight of the area.
