How you can spot crash-for-cash scammers – as TODAY may be the worst for fraud

BRITS are being warned about being victims of "lethal" crash-for-cash scams as fraud peaks TODAY.

January 29 may be the day you're that appears to be targeted by fraudsters looking for car insurance payouts, based on the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

Crash-for-cash scams cost lb340million annually – risking innocent drivers' lives and pumping up insurance premiums.

Scammers cause accidents to create fake insurance claims for car damage and whiplash injuries.

Gangs will frequently interact to snare an innocent motorist – leading to crash-for-cash hotspots.

Birmingham is the worst area with postcodes in Greater Manchester and Bradford also featuring many times.

The IFB has issued a fresh warning to Brits to watch out for fraudsters after its analysis of cases showed January 29 to be the worst.

Key indications of a scam include erratic driving, slamming around the brakes for no reason – plus the use of a decoy vehicle creating a sudden and unexpected move.

Often a decoy vehicle will appear reduced before details can be logged which makes it difficult to prove another car was ever involved.

Scammers will also submit claims for "phantom" passengers with exaggerated injuries to hike the claim value.

Ben Fletcher, IFB director, said: "Crash-for-Cash Awareness Day wishes to highlight the issue and raise awareness amongst the general public about this potentially lethal crime.

"While the hotspots data highlighted the worst affected areas, crash for money is really a nationwide problem.

"At the IFB, we strive to detect organised insurance fraud, often resulting in custodial sentences of these dangerous fraudsters.

"It's important that we continue to do so by working with Police and insurers, we are able to bring these fraudsters to justice."