Halifax named one of the UK’s 30 worst-affected postal districts for ‘Crash for Cash’ scams

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has released new figures that show areas in West Yorkshire are behind over a third of the UK’s 30 worst-affected postal districts for ‘Crash for Cash’ scams.

‘Crash for Cash’ is a common insurance scam which sees fraudsters invent or deliberately cause road traffic collisions, often involving innocent people, to try and get compensation.

IFB analysis of 2.7 million motor insurance claims made across the UK in between 1/10/2019 to 31/12/2020 has identified over 170,000 claims which could be linked to suspected ‘Crash for Cash’ networks.

The hotspots analysis shows the HX1 postcode in Halifax was ranked 15th on the list of top 30 ‘Crash for Cash’ scam hotspots.

‘Crash for Cash’ scams can range from paper-based fabrications, or vehicles being damaged behind closed doors, through to the most dangerous where collisions are being caused by fraudsters with innocent road users.

IFB investigations have found single gangs can be behind thousands of orchestrated collisions in some areas, with the combined value of their fraudulent claims running into the millions.

Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: “Our hotspots analysis sadly shows people in West Yorkshire are much more likely be targeted in a reckless ‘Crash for Cash’ scam, so we urge community members to be vigilant.

"We’re committed to cracking down on these dangerous fraudsters and we’re calling on the public’s support. If anyone thinks they have evidence of a ‘Crash for Cash’ scam it can be reported to the IFB’s Cheatline on 0800 422 0421.”