Motorists are being warned to be extra vigilant over a wave of varying 'crash-for-cash' scams deployed in different parts of the country, as fraudsters look to new tactics to force innocent drivers into colliding with them.

Deliberate crashes caused by scam artists who want to claim compensation by blaming faultless motorists remain a major concern on our roads, the Insurance Fraud Bureau says.

But while suddenly slamming on the brakes in the path of innocent drivers to trigger collisions remains the most common technique, the IFB says it has identified different methods fraudsters are using in specific regions.

Among these is what the bureau dubs the 'roundabout trap'. This sees scammers deliberately moving into the wrong lane at busy roundabouts to cause a collision.

The IFB says it has seen a growing trend for this manoeuvre specifically in Dagenham in east London.

Meanwhile, in the West Midlands – particularly in popular restaurant and nightlife hotspots in Birmingham – fraudsters are deploying what's called the 'side road setup'.

This is when scammers signal to drivers to pull out of side roads where the Highway Code dictates they do not have right of way. 

When they oblige, the fraudster purposely drives into the side of them and claims the other party was at fault.

Across Greater London and the Home Counties, the IFB says it is detecting increased cases of moped and motorbike riders driving into oncoming traffic – often with a pillion on board – before accusing victims of being at fault.

The bureau has also flagged a raft of other tell-tale signs of a crash-for-cash scam, including grifters disabling the brake lights on their vehicles so that motorists behind are not instantly warned they are braking.

Accusing victims of causing pre-existing damage, charlatan passengers exaggerating injuries, and being provided with prewritten insurance details after a collision are also on the IFB's radar.

It also says it has identified an increase in bogus claims using ID theft.

The bureau reports that instances of identity theft have nearly doubled in the past two years, with criminals stealing personal information to carry out a high volume of fraudulent claims.

One of these methods involves using a crash-for-cash victim's shared insurance details to conduct other crimes.

Fraudsters are also lifting private details from new motorists when they – or their parents – celebrate passing their driving tests by posting certificates on social media.

Another tactic sees scammers listing fake delivery driver jobs online and pinching driving licence and insurance details from applicants.

The IFB has also raised the alarm on 'ghost brokers' – fake motor insurance providers and brokers primarily operating on social media – who are not just taking funds from unsuspecting motorists but also using their details to make fraudulent claims.

Hotspots for car insurance fraud revealed

The number of cases where insurance fraud is detected is on the rise, analysis of 2025 data has concluded.

There has been a 12 per cent increase in fraudulent claims last year compared with 2024, amounting to more than £1 billion, according to the Association of British Insurers.

The IFB says it received a record 9,400 reports of insurance fraud from the public in 2025, as it named the motor insurance fraud hotspots in the UK after analysing 3.3 million claims.

It found that Dagenham in London is the most prevalent area for bogus car insurance claims in England.

It was followed closely by Birmingham and the London borough of Islington.

Other regions with the highest instances of fraudulent claims include Bradford, West Yorkshire, and Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.

In Wales, the hotspot is Llanbadrig, while Muthill in Scotland and Antrim in Northern Ireland are the problem areas in their respective countries.

'Insurance fraudsters are relentless, and their tactics are evolving fast,' said Jon Radford, head of intelligence, investigations and data services at the bureau.

'By revealing the UK's top motor insurance fraud hotspots, our aim is to help protect those who are at greater risk. 

'Insurance scams can put people in danger and drive up costs for honest consumers, at a time when many are already under financial pressure.'

Mark Allen, head of fraud and financial crime at the Association of British Insurers, says the report is strong evidence that fraudsters are 'becoming bolder and more sophisticated' than ever.

'We urge the public to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious, because every report helps us protect communities and hold criminals to account,' he added.

One option, increasingly popular with drivers, is having a mounted dash cam recording footage which can be used as evidence of foul play. 

The rise in fraudulent activity comes as the Government has unveiled its new fraud strategy, which sets out a range of measures to crack down on scams, boost public awareness and support victims.

Lord David Hanson, minister for fraud, said: 'Honest customers are facing higher insurance premiums because of fraudsters' pursuit of profits.

'We won't accept it and are working with the Insurance Fraud Bureau to take the fight to these callous fraudsters.'