Staged Accidents Fraud: Most Common Types Of Schemes

Staged accidents fraud, also known as intentional car collisions or orchestrated crashes, is a form of insurance fraud in which individuals or groups deliberately cause car accidents to collect money from insurance companies. This type of fraud has been increasing in recent years, resulting in higher insurance premiums for all drivers.

Staged accidents fraud can take many different forms, but the most common types of schemes involve the following scenarios:

1. The “swoop and squat” scam: In this type of scheme, one driver will suddenly pull in front of another car and slam on their brakes, causing the car behind to rear-end them. The driver in front will then claim injuries and damages from the other driver’s insurance company, even though they caused the accident.
2. The “drive down” scam: In this type of scheme, a group of individuals will drive two or three cars down a street or highway. One of the cars will suddenly slow down or stop in front of the other cars, causing a chain-reaction collision. The individuals in the cars will then claim injuries and damages from the other drivers’ insurance companies, even though they caused the accident.
3. The “fake pedestrian” scam: In this type of scheme, a group of individuals will stage a fake pedestrian accident. One person will pretend to be hit by a car while others will act as witnesses. They will then claim injuries and damages from the driver’s insurance company, even though the accident was staged.
4. The “phantom driver” scam: In this type of scheme, an individual will intentionally cause an accident by swerving in front of another car and then quickly driving away. The other driver will be left with damages to their car and no one to claim damages from, resulting in an insurance payout.

Staged accidents fraud is often carried out by organized crime rings that recruit individuals to participate in the schemes. These individuals are often desperate for money and are willing to risk their safety and the safety of others to collect insurance payouts. The organizers of these schemes often have sophisticated knowledge of the insurance industry and know how to manipulate the system to maximize their profits.

Insurance companies are aware of staged accidents fraud and have taken steps to prevent it. They use various techniques to identify potential fraudulent claims, such as reviewing police reports and medical records, conducting investigations, and working with law enforcement agencies to prosecute those involved in staged accidents fraud.

In addition, there are steps that drivers can take to protect themselves from becoming victims of staged accidents fraud. Some tips include:

1. Maintain a safe following distance: Always keep a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you to avoid being a victim of the “swoop and squat” scam.
2. Be aware of your surroundings: If you notice suspicious behavior on the road, such as a car following you too closely or driving erratically, try to get the license plate number and report it to the police.
3. Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, exchange insurance information with the other driver, and report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
4. Be cautious of “witnesses”: If someone approaches you after an accident and claims to be a witness, be cautious. They may be part of a staged accidents fraud scheme.

Staged accidents fraud is a serious crime that puts innocent people at risk and drives up insurance premiums for everyone. By being aware of the different types of staged accidents fraud schemes and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help prevent this type of fraud and keep our roads safe.