‘Crash for cash’ scams were a significant cause for concern on UK roads about a decade ago.

Since then, the number of car-related fraud schemes has dropped as the public, insurers, and the police have become more wary.

But now, ‘Crash for Cash’ scams are back in the headlines, this time with gangs utilising mopeds to deliver the fraud.

 

Crash, bang, wallop

In the UK, a rising wave of mopeds-related insurance fraud is prompting fresh warnings from police and insurers.

Known as “crash-for-cash” scams, these incidents involve staged low-impact collisions initiated by moped riders who then push innocent motorists into providing sensitive information, or worse, into accepting blame and signing off on bogus claims.

The scam typically plays out at a junction or while a driver is manoeuvring out of a parking space.

A moped appears, sometimes seemingly from nowhere, makes contact with a vehicle (or simply pretends to), and the rider then demands that the driver show their driving licence or insurance certificate. 

According to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), over 1,100 fraudulent motor insurance policies were taken out between summer 2024 and March 2025 using victims’ details from these moped-related collisions.

In a broader estimate, more than 4,000 motorists have been targeted since June 2021, with potential fraudulent claims linked to the scam reaching an estimated £70 million. 

 

The scam at work

Typical characteristics of the scam include:

  • A moped rider lurking near a junction or behind a van, waiting for a vulnerable moment. 
  • The rider then collides at low speed (or simulates a collision) with a car turning out or pulling away. The damage is often minimal but is staged to make the car driver appear at fault. 
  • The fraudster may throw the moped down dramatically, act injured, and demand the driver hand over the licence, insurance documents or even immediate cash.
  • The personal information collected is used to set up fake insurance policies, file false injury/repair claims or hijack the victim’s existing policy. 

These scams don’t just impose a financial cost on the insurance industry and vehicle owners—they also jeopardise the safety and peace of mind of motorists.

A victim might find themselves wrongly blamed for an accident, confronted with inflated claims or battling to clear their name.

In addition, the broader cost is indirectly passed on to all motorists via higher premiums and strained claims systems. 

Who is at risk?

While any driver could be targeted, certain groups appear more vulnerable, especially less confident drivers, older drivers, and those driving alone.

Reports suggest the scam is primarily concentrated in London and the Home Counties but is spreading to other urban areas.

Authorities and insurers offer several practical tips for motorists to protect themselves:

  • After a collision, only exchange the legally required details: name, address and vehicle registration. Do not hand over driving licence or insurance documents or allow them to be photographed. 
  • Install a dash cam (front and rear) to capture how a collision occurs. This can strongly support your case if a fraudulent claim is made. 
  • Collect everything you can at the scene: moped make and model, registration number, rider clothing, helmet or visor down, any witness details, CCTV or doorbell footage.
  • Report any suspicious collision or behaviour to your insurer and contact the Police or IFB’s confidential CheatLine: 0800 422 0421. 

Gloomy outlook

As road conditions deteriorate during darker evenings and winter weather, the risk of staged collisions may increase, say investigators.

Law-enforcement agencies are also targeting repair garages, moped suppliers and street-level networks believed to support these scams.

For motorists, vigilance is critical.

Recognising the tell-tale signs of this scam, especially that sudden pressure to hand over documents or cash, is the first line of defence.

In a world where the fraud is increasingly sophisticated, a combination of caution, sound evidence and prompt action can help protect you from becoming the next statistic.