Drivers in Uxbridge and surrounding areas are being urged to watch out for Clip for Cash scams following a spike in activity - warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters cause a collision by slamming on their brake, clip for cash involves scammers accusing drivers of clipping their wing mirror, before becoming threatening and demanding cash up front.

How does the scam work?

Nearly a dozen motorists have been targeted by clip for cash scammers in the UB postal area in recent months, with incidents reported in Greenford, Hayes, Pinner and Southall. There have also been previous reports of the issue in other parts of London, South-West England and Wales.

The con most often takes place on a residential road. As the victim drives by slowly, the fraudster is parked in their car on the left-hand side and throws an object such as a large rock, at the side of the victim’s car to make an impact sound. 

The startled driver is soon flashed by the fraudster’s car to get them to stop, before being accused of clipping their wing mirror (which has already been damaged). 

The fraudster demands they hand over cash instantly – which could be as much as £500 – or pressures them into visiting a cashpoint. The fraudster is reluctant to pursue any claim through insurance. In some instances where the victim has not agreed to handing over money, the culprit has become physically intimidating. 

Watch how the scam works

What can you do if you’re targeted?

Regardless of whether a genuine road traffic collision has taken place or not, money should never be handed over at the scene. If accused of damaging a wing mirror, insurance details should be swapped as legally required. If there is an imminent risk of danger, call the police.

If someone thinks they have been targeted, they should tell their insurer and local police force. They should also report their concerns to IFB’s CheatLine. Useful information to include in your report the fraudsters name and phone number, as well as their vehicles make, model and registration number.

Nicola Smith, Intelligence & Investigations Manager at the IFB, said: “We are seeing a worrying increase in reports of clip for cash scams in the Uxbridge area. These fraudsters trick innocent motorists into thinking they’ve caused genuine damage to get victims to hand over cash. This scam is an increasing threat to local drivers, and with offenders escalating to threatening behaviour it can be scary for victims. We’re urging everyone to look out for the warning signs of these scams and stay safe.”