A new crash-for-cash insurance scam where moped riders deliberately crash into car drivers is on the rise in London.

Over 2,200 people in London are believed to have been victim of crash-for-cash moped scams in two years, but thousands more may have unknowingly been targeted

The scam has already claimed thousands of victims, according to authorities, which are warning drivers of the signs to look out for and how to report evidence.

An investigation led by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) and several insurers has found an estimated 2,250 people in London were victims of crash-for-cash moped scams in the past two years. Nearly every UK motor insurer has received bogus claims, collectively valued at £27m.

But it’s feared thousands more drivers may have unknowingly been targeted by the widespread network of fraudsters, due to little awareness of the tactics being used. And the  IFB and IFED have launched an urgent appeal to help road users learn the warning signs of the scam and report evidence to Cheatline online or via 0800 422 0421.

Many of the suspected fraudsters are believed to be couriers delivering items such as take-aways and are predominantly targeting drivers in North London’s most affluent areas, including Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Hackney, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea.

The con involves mopeds being driven at oncoming cars. The scammer hides out of sight in a side road or parking space, and then deliberately drives into the victim as they head towards them. They then usually throw their moped to the ground and drop to the floor to dramatise an injury, before taking photos of the incident.

The fraudster may have an accomplice to act as a witness – sometimes using a van to help obscure the victim’s view before the moped drives into them, making the scam easier to carry out.

Crash-for-cash moped cons potentially date back a decade according to IFB and IFED’s ongoing analysis, but have surged since 2021 – it’s now the IFB’s biggest-ever investigation.

Ursula Jallow, director at IFB, said: “We’re collaborating closely with IFED and the insurance industry to bring every one of these reckless fraudsters to justice. We encourage all Londoners to watch out for the unique signs of crash for cash moped scams and to report any evidence to our Cheatline.”