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23.
November
2016.
CMA’s Swift talks cash for crash in TV exposé

CMA's Swift talks cash for crash in TV exposé
Undercover Criminal: Car Crash for Cash
- Channel 5,Wed 23 Nov 2016, 10pm

 

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Managing Director of Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA), Philip Swift, a former police detective, provided expert insight for a TV exposé on the scam known as ‘cash for crash', to be screened on Channel 5 tonight (Wednesday 23 November, 10pm).

 

The fifth programme in the Undercover Criminal series sees investigative journalist Paul Connolly (pictured) going further than any other TV reporter by actually being involved in a car crash staged by a gang to fleece insurance firms. He takes a front seat as the ‘accident' happens.

 

Philip Swift said: "So-called cash for crash scams have been around since at least the mid-1990s, but over the last few years both the police and the insurance industry have become far more adept at identifying them. There have been several high profile convictions and the message finally seems to be getting across that this is far from a victimless crime.

 

"First and foremost there's the innocent drivers targeted in staged accidents, for whom it can be a shocking experience. Further to that, every motorist likely suffers from increased premiums to cover the costs associated with exaggerated or fraudulent claims. Finally, and perhaps worst of all from the law-abiding person's perspective, genuine claims can be treated with an element of suspicion thanks to a small minority who abuse the system.

 

"Those who've received unwarranted payment for non-existent injuries should consider the fact that they will never be in the clear. By taking the money they have committed a criminal offence, fraud, and there is no time limit on the police making enquiries. Those in the process of making such a claim should stop and think hard: is it really worth it? Surely nobody wants their face in the papers, and online forever, for something like this."

 

CMA urges anybody with information on cash for crash to call the Insurance Fraud Bureau hotline 0800 4220 421, report it online at insurancefraudbureau.org or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.