This new type of fraud involves moped riders deliberately manoeuvring their vehicles into the path of reversing vans to induce an impact and then claiming damage and injuries.

These induced accidents were first reported last summer in London, where mopeds were deliberately driven into vehicles pulling from side roads. Ageas is now seeing a rise in this scam in urban areas across the UK, with a modified target: reversing vans.

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 and spreading to other large urban centres.”

What to do if you are involved in an accident:

• Capture details: If you are involved in an accident, try to capture as many details as possible. This can include the other party’s registration number, vehicle make and model, their driving license and any distinguishing features of the driver/rider.
• CCTV and Witnesses: Look at your surroundings to see if any doorbell cameras or CCTV have captured the crash. If other drivers or pedestrians stop to assist, ask if they saw the accident and are willing to act as witnesses.
• Take images of the vehicles: Capture photos of the cars, their positions, and any damage caused.
• Report the incident: Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible. Please provide them with all the details you have captured.
• Contact the authorities: If you suspect you have been a victim of a “crash for cash” scam, report it to the police and the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s Cheatline.