Scotland is in for more weather chaos this weekend, as warnings are in place across the country for snow, ice - and wildfires.
21.02.2023 - 17:09 / dailyrecord.co.uk
Drivers have been warned to look out for a new 'crash for cash' fraud which has seen scammers travel to Scotland to cause smashes and cash in on insurance money.
Insurance company LV believe that the increase is being driven by a law change in England and Wales that has reduced the amount of compensation drivers are entitled to following a whiplash claim. It means crooks are now travelling to Scotland in a bid to cash in.
'Crash for cash' works by targeting innocent motorists to become the ‘at fault driver’ in an accident by slamming on the breaks to cause an accident. And in the past year alone, there has been a 60% rise in the number of personal injury claims reported to LV in Scotland.
Alan Gibbs was one of those who fell victim to the scam as he travelled to Largs in September last year. He said: “I’d heard of crash for cash and was aware of it happening to other people, but I never thought it would happen to me.
"I was travelling up to Largs in Scotland on the A70 near Cumnock when the car in front set off to join the roundabout. I followed but then suddenly the car slammed on to a complete stop, even though the road to the right was clear and I went into the back of him.
"I didn’t even see any brake lights come on when he braked. To think criminals do this on purpose for money is shocking, and is putting innocent drivers at huge risk.
"I was lucky and I wasn’t too badly injured or shaken up, but others might not be so fortunate. Creating more awareness for the public is so important.”
LV has told the Record that they are currently investigating ten organised fraud cases with an estimated value of £2 million. They have identified hot spots in Dumfries and Ayrshire including the A70, A74, A75, A76, M74 where gangs are
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