Motorists have been warned about a new scam that could leave them out of pocket to the tune of thousands of pounds.
Anti-fraud experts are calling the system “flash-for-cash” and it involves criminal gangs flashing their high-beams and allowing people to pull out, before carrying on at speed and crashing into them.
This will normally be done on quieter roads so there are no witnesses to corroborate victims’ claims that they were permitted to join a thoroughfare by the predatory claimant.
Although many motorists are aware of the “crash-for-cash” scam, this new flashing fraud has swept the nation with a speed that has surprised police chiefs.
Detective inspector Dave Hindmarsh from the Metropolitan Police is an expert in insurance crimes and said: “The problem is a growing problem. Financially it costs insurers £392 million a year – that impacts on motorists as it’s an extra £50 to £100 on every person’s premium so that’s a financial cost.”
The Highway Code stipulates that high beams should only be used to let other road users know that you are there. Flashing headlights should not be done for any other purpose, especially to intimidate other drivers.