Viral dashcam video from Bengaluru shows man attempting fake accident. What is crash for cash scam and how to avoid it?

A dashcam video from a car in Bengaluru's Whitefield area recently went viral after capturing a man faking an accident by deliberately lying in front of a moving vehicle. In the footage, the man steps into the car's path and falls to the ground, attempting to create the illusion of being hit. The viral video has amassed 4.2 million views on Instagram.

The video proceeds with the woman in the car questioning about the incident, while the driver calmly points out that the entire event was recorded on the dashcam. To add to the bizarre scene, two bikers arrive, probably acting as witnesses to the staged accident. However, the driver responded by saying that the man purposely fell in front of the car and also announced that he had a dashcam. This incident emphasizes the growing importance of dashcams in protecting drivers from fraudulent claims.

The caption read, “The police must take strict action against such individuals, and every car owner should have a dashcam. Location - Whitefield, Bengaluru. Shared by - Amit Mohanty.”

Internet reacts

Some users pointed out the necessity of having a dashcam, with one commenting on how it has become essential due to such incidents. Others questioned if this kind of behaviour was a local custom, while one user shared that they had installed a dashcam to avoid such situations. Another user suggested involving the police and called for severe punishment for those responsible.

What is crash for cash scam?

The Insurance Fraud Bureau defines "Crash for Cash" as a fraudulent scheme where individuals stage or provoke car accidents to make false insurance claims. These scams can range from fabricated paperwork to actual collisions involving unsuspecting drivers. Unfortunately, these schemes not only lead to financial losses but also result in injuries and, in some tragic instances, fatalities.

Fraudsters often provoke collisions by suddenly slamming on their brakes at busy intersections or roundabouts, hoping the driver behind won’t be able to stop in time. In some cases, they may work with an accomplice who drives erratically in front to misdirect blame. Others set up accidents by luring innocent drivers into pulling out of side roads or moving forward to get a better view, only to crash into them intentionally.

How to avoid insurance or ‘crash for cash' scam?

• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the safe stopping time is 2 seconds in dry weather conditions, 4 seconds in rainy weather and 20 seconds in icy or snowy conditions.
  

• Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
  

• Follow road safety rules and adhere to the highway code.
  

• Keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as erratic or unusual driving patterns.
  

• Focus on the behaviour of vehicles, not just their lights, since fraudsters may disable brake lights to cause accidents.
  

• Be cautious when pulling out from side roads, especially if prompted by other drivers.
  

• If you notice suspicious behaviour or signs of a poorly maintained vehicle (e.g., rear-end damage), maintain a safe distance and remain calm.
  

Identifying red flags:

• The driver or passengers appear overly calm or indifferent following an accident.
  
• Injuries are exaggerated by the driver or passengers.
  
• The driver hands over pre-filled insurance claim details immediately after the incident.