NCJ Number
150143
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 61 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 51-54
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Staging traffic accidents to collect money from insurance companies is a form of insurance fraud that has increased greatly in scope and sophistication and requires awareness by police and others.
Abstract
Techniques used include squat collisions, which are intentional rear-end collisions; swoop and squat collisions, which involve two or more suspect vehicles; paper collisions, which involve a collision that never happened; and staged hit-and-run collisions. The conspirators include a capper, who solicits business for an attorney or physician; claimants; corrupt physicians, chiropractors, and attorneys; and corrupt body shops. Investigations of these crimes are complex and require specialized expertise. Necessary resources include undercover police, electronic surveillance, and undercover vehicles. However, many levels of government are now involved in investigating insurance fraud. In addition, the National Insurance Crime Bureau continues to work closely with the insurance industry to investigate and help prosecute perpetrators. Lists of indicators of insurance fraud and suggestions for law-abiding drivers.