Investigators are warning about a new tactic by criminal gangs, dubbed flash for cash, where a driver flashes their lights to let another driver out of a junction, and then crashes into them deliberately (as illustrated in the following diagram):
False personal injury claims for whiplash and loss of earnings are then submitted along with fake bills for vehicle recovery, repair and replacement car hire.
It is common for the fraudsters to target elderly motorists or women with young children drivers they believe will not challenge them on the scene.
This new scam is harder to prove in court without the presence of an independent witness. Effectively it comes down to the innocent drivers word against the criminals that they flashed their lights to let them out.
It is estimated that 380 fraudulent personal injury claims from deliberate crashes are made every day which costs the motor insurance industry £392m every year. This adds an additional cost of between £50-£100 to every persons premium.
If you should have any questions or wish to discuss any insurance related matters please contact MPM on 01675 461600.