It has been recently reported that there is a new staged scam on the roads known as ‘flash for cash’. This involves a driver on a main road flashing their lights inviting a driver waiting on a side road to pull out, at which point they speed up, causing the victim to drive into the side of the car. They then claim that the victim pulled out without checking first.
This is similar to the ‘crash for cash’ scam where criminal gangs fake or deliberately cause accidents to make fraudulent insurance claims, usually claiming for injuries, vehicle damage, replacement vehicle hire, loss of earnings and other costs. The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) estimates that the cost of this scam for all drivers will add around £50 to the average premium per year.
Waveney Insurance Brokers has put together some useful tips to help motorists combat this growing problem:
- Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully
- Carry a pen and paper for taking notes
- Always keep a disposable camera or mobile phone handy for taking photos
- Concentrate on your driving – do not use a mobile phone or be otherwise distracted, you will be an easier target and it could work against you when trying to prove liability
If you suspect you may be a victim of a ‘flash for cash’ scam:
- Stay calm, think clearly and, as with any accident, don’t admit liability.
- Call the police, but be careful – you’re potentially dealing with criminals.
- If there’s the slightest indication of injury, call an ambulance as well – note how the car’s occupants respond to the emergency services’ involvement.
- Count the number of occupants in the car – the number can grow in the days following the accident.
- Get the names, addresses and dates of birth of all the occupants and make a note of where they were sitting in the car.
- Look for independent witnesses – avoid anyone who’s too enthusiastic, though, they might be in on the scam. Get their names and addresses.
- Look for CCTV cameras in the vicinity and tell your insurer as soon as possible so there’s a good chance of recovering footage.
- Share your concerns with your insurers – they’re as keen as you are to take action against ‘flash for cash’ criminals.
- Call the confidential Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) Cheatline on 0800 328 2550 with any information you feel may be relevant.
Motor insurance should provide motor drivers and owners with peace of mind that their assets and assets of other drivers on the road are covered in the event of an accident.
Unfortunately, criminals have schemed new and dangerous ways to derive money from what they think is a victimless crime. However, these staged accidents can be very dangerous not only to the drivers but the general public as well.
For any further advice regarding any insurance related matter please contact us via our website www.waveney-insurance.co.uk or on 01603 728600
Waveney Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Waveney Insurance Brokers (Commercial) Ltd. Waveney Insurance Brokers (Commercial) Limited is registered in England No. 02511992. Registered Office: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, ME14 3EN
Waveney Insurance Brokers (Commercial) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our Financial Services Register number is 313253. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA’s website https://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768.
