Ageas reveals new crash for cash scheme

Ageas UK has revealed a new crash for cash scheme targeting van drivers.

The scam sees moped-riders deliberately manoeuvre their vehicles into the path of reversing vans in order to induce an impact and then claim for damage and injuries.

It comes after reports emerged that mopeds were being deliberately driven into vehicles pulling from side roads across London in the summer of 2023.

Ageas said reversing vans were now becoming more of a target and that the scam had migrated into urban areas outside London.

’Stay vigilant’

Crash for cash-related fraudulent insurance claims often utilise commercial garages to purportedly store damaged mopeds and rent replacements to riders.

These activities are done at exorbitant rates, billing many thousands of pounds to the insurers.

Katie Davies, director of underwriting services and fraud at Ageas, said: “Our fraud intelligence team has seen a significant rise in this crash for cash scam, both in London but also spreading to other large urban centres.

“We would like to warn drivers to be aware of the tell-tale signs of faked accidents as this can help them avoid falling victim to this continuing scam.

“We urge everyone to stay vigilant on the roads and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”