Crash for cash moped scams: what you need to know about the reckless two-wheel con that's on-the-rise!

02 June 2023

Road users are being warned about a new type of crash for cash scam involving mopeds being deliberately driven at oncoming traffic, which is spreading in London.

An investigation led by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), and several insurers, has found around 2,250 people in London have been victim of the scam in the past two years.

Many of the suspected fraudsters are believed to be couriers delivering items such as take-aways and are mainly targeting drivers in North London’s most affluent areas.

As there is little public awareness of the tactics being used by crash for cash moped scammers, it is believed thousands more people could have unknowingly been targeted. An urgent appeal has been launched to help road users learn the warning signs of the scam and report evidence to CheatLine online or via 0800 422 0421.

“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...” - Ursula Jallow, Director at IFB.

What are the warning signs?

Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters slam on their car’s brake so the victim behind can’t stop in time, this con involves mopeds being driven at oncoming cars. The scammer hides out of sight in a side road or parking space, and then drives into the victim as they head towards them. They usually throw their moped to the ground and drop to the floor to act out an injury, before taking photos of the incident.

The fraudster sometimes has an accomplice to act as a witness and help facilitate the fraud. There have also been reports of the accomplice using a van to help obscure the victim’s view before the moped drives into them, making the scam easier to carry out.

Incidents have been reported across London including in Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Hackney, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea. Road users are encouraged to be vigilant of any moped users who appear to be lingering unnecessarily on public roads.

The issue of crash for cash moped scams in the capital has grown to become IFB’s biggest ever investigation. Nearly every motor insurer in the country has been targeted, with bogus claims totalling £27 million in value. 

If someone thinks they have been targeted in a crash for cash moped scam, they should contact the police on 999 if they feel in any immediate danger or 101 if the matter is not an emergency but requires police attendance, and inform their insurer of the incident. Evidence should be reported to IFB’s CheatLine.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Hill, at City of London Police's IFED: 

“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.”

Matthew Stevens, Anti-Fraud Director at Hastings Direct: 

“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."

Mark Allen, Assistant Director of Fraud and Financial Services at Association of British Insurers: 

“Staged crash for cash scams are a dangerous menace on our roads. Often highly organised, and constantly looking for new targets to exploit, these criminals put lives at risk."