Crash for cash scammers are using a new tactic involving wing mirrors to stage collisions across the UK and extort money from innocent drivers.

Criminals accuse innocent drivers of clipping their wing mirror before demanding cash upfront

Dubbed ‘clip for cash’, the new con sees criminals accuse innocent drivers of clipping their wing mirror before demanding cash upfront (see video here).

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) have launched a national campaign to help motorists spot the warning signs of the scam and report it.

The scam normally takes place on residential roads where fraudsters hide up to wait for victims to go by before throwing an object, such as a large rock, at the side of the victim’s car. They then flash at the driver to get them to stop before accusing them of clipping their (already damaged) wing mirror and either demanding instant cash or pressuring the victim to visit a cashpoint.

More than 40 drivers are already believed to have been targeted in such a way – and the actual number could be much higher due to drivers not realising they’ve been scammed and not reporting it.

Insurers are warning drivers not to hand over money – regardless of whether a genuine road traffic collision has taken place or not – and to swap insurance details as legally required. Anyone in danger should also call the police.

Drivers who think they’ve been targeted are also urged to tell their insurer and local police force, and report the incident to IFB’s Cheatline and the Action Fraud service.