According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) Florida topped the list from 2007 to 2009 with 3,006 identified staged accidents.
New York and California came in second and third with just under 1,700 staged accidents during the same period.
What To Look For: In many cases the victims are carefully selected with the target usually being a young woman or elderly adult.
Drivers who seem distracted or are on cell phones may also be targeted.
Many of the accidents are staged in parking lots, parking garages, or the exits and entrances to malls or parking lots.
To maximize the potential claim payout the criminals will place 3-4 individuals in the vehicle who will all claim injuries.
States that have "no-fault" laws such as Florida and New York make it easier for criminals to claim injuries and receive payouts.
Many times two or more cars will be involved in the accident with all but the striking car leaving the scene.
Parking attendants, tow truck drivers, doctors, lawyers, and other drivers may be involved in the staged accident.
Be wary if any of these individuals offer services, or recommend you receive medical services if you haven't solicited them or if you are not injured.
Avoid Becoming a Victim Here are six tips from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) on how to avoid becoming a victim of a staged accident: · Avoid tailgating.
Recognize the "swoop and squat" scenario in which a driver suddenly swoops in front of you then slams on his or her brakes, and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you just in case the driver slams on his brakes.
· Call the cops even if damage is minimal.
A police report makes it harder for a stager to intentionally damage his or her car later in order to collect a larger claim against your car insurance company.
· Grab a camera or use your cell phone to photograph everything and everyone at the scene.
Pay special attention to the number of people in the other car and the damage to both cars.
· Be wary of passers-by who just happen to arrive on the scene, especially if they offer to direct you to a doctor, lawyer or tow-truck company.
They may be part of the scam.
· Steer clear of tow-truck drivers that you did not summon.
They are often part of this car insurance scam.
· Be wary of doctors who insist that you file a personal injury claim following an accident, especially if you are not hurt.
If you suspect that you've been a victim of or witness to a staged accident, you can report it anonymously through the NICB website, or by calling the toll-free number (800)835-6422 or by texting your information to TIP411, keyword "FRAUD.
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