CRASH FOR CASH: Dashcams and CCTV become crucial in shielding taxi drivers from scams
Dashcams and CCTV ‘provide solid evidence’ to help protect taxi drivers from losing their licence as crash for cash scams targeting taxi drivers surface.
A recent incident on Euston Road, London, highlights the rising threat of ‘crash for cash’ scams. A London cabbie captured dashcam footage of a man deliberately throwing himself onto the bonnet of the vehicle, seemingly attempting to stage a fraudulent accident.
The dashcam footage shows the black cab moving slowly in traffic when a man, standing by the central reservation, suddenly steps out and flings himself onto the taxi. The man lies motionless on the road, arms raised, apparently faking injury, as the taxi halts immediately.
This type of scam, known as ‘crash for cash’, involves fraudsters fabricating collisions to make false injury and damage claims against drivers. Taxis and private hire vehicles are often targeted, as scammers believe they are well-insured. Drivers in high-traffic areas are especially vulnerable, with congested roads providing a prime setting for these staged incidents.
However, the increasing use of dashcams and CCTV is providing essential protection for drivers against such fraudulent claims. The video evidence captured can disprove false accounts, safeguarding drivers from legal penalties and the risk of losing their licence.
A spokesperson from ACSS, a provider of dashcams and CCTV for taxis, confirmed the scale of the issue: “Crash for cash scams have become a serious problem, with the Insurance Fraud Bureau reporting £1.7 million worth of claims related to these incidents. Installing CCTV or dashcams can play a crucial role in protecting drivers from being caught up in these scams.
“CCTV footage provides solid evidence, helping prove that the driver wasn’t at fault. This not only saves insurance companies from having to pay out false claims, but more importantly, it protects drivers from losing their license or being penalised for dangerous driving. By having clear footage of the incident, drivers can avoid unjust penalties and protect their livelihood.
“In cases like these, having CCTV or dashcam footage can make all the difference, offering peace of mind and quick resolution of fraudulent claims.”
