On a dark evening, a driver at a junction is distracted by children in the back seat when their vehicle is bumped by a moped. Upon exiting the car, the driver notices little damage, but the moped operator requests to take a photograph of the driver’s license or insurance documents for claims purposes. Unbeknownst to the driver, this incident is part of a “crash for cash” scheme, with the driver’s information potentially used to obtain fraudulent motor insurance policies and make false claims.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has reported an increase in identity theft linked to these scams, particularly in London and surrounding areas, including Chelmsford and parts of Hertfordshire. Between summer 2024 and March 2025, over 1,100 unauthorized insurance policies were recorded as being taken out using details from victims of these scams. The IFB believes that many more cases remain unreported.
During the winter months, conditions are likely to worsen, increasing opportunities for these scams. Individuals might be especially vulnerable to such tactics when visibility and driving conditions decline.
Typically, these scams involve moped riders who create the appearance of an accident by colliding at low speeds, often using accomplices to falsely support their claims. Victims are pressured into providing unnecessary personal details at the scene. This information can lead to significant financial crimes, including multiple fraudulent insurance policies being opened in the victim’s name. Certain demographics, such as women driving alone or elderly individuals, are reportedly more targeted by scammers.
If involved in a similar incident, drivers are advised to share only essential information—namely names, addresses, and vehicle registration—and to refrain from disclosing further personal details. Collecting information about the incident, including vehicle descriptions and witness accounts, can be crucial. Reporting the event to both insurance providers and law enforcement is recommended, along with utilizing resources such as the IFB’s Cheatline for reporting fraud, and considering Cifas Protective Registration to help safeguard personal details against misuse.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/26/crash-for-cash-insurance-fraud-scam-moped-riders