GEICO Reminds You of Ways to Help Protect Yourself from Auto Insurance Scams
February 24 2018 - 7:55AM
Business Wire
Are you likely to become a victim of an auto insurance scam one
day? Very likely, and because those scams are perpetrated regularly
on unassuming drivers, GEICO has recommendations that could help
prevent you from becoming one of those victims.
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Scams or insurance fraud schemes are committed by criminals
every day and can happen anytime during the claims process. One of
the most common auto insurance scams involves staged accidents.
Staged accidents will typically involve multiple vehicles and
several people in various scenarios.
In part one of the classic “swoop and squat” staged accident,
the criminals use a primary vehicle and a blocker vehicle. The
primary vehicle swoops in front of the victim car and slams on the
brakes, hoping to cause a rear-end collision. The blocker vehicle
travels alongside the victim’s vehicle to prevent the victim from
swerving to avoid the crash. In part two, during the confusion
directly after the accident, multiple people are likely to appear
and disappear from the scene and make false injury claims, adding
to the overall cost of the claim.
“If you suspect you’re being scammed, contact the police or your
insurance company,” said Douglas Shiring, director of GEICO’s
special investigation unit. “And knowing a few ways to protect
yourself could help you avoid a potential auto insurance scam.”
Shiring recommends:
- Call the police to the scene –
Beware of anyone who is anxious to leave quickly before police
arrive.
- Document with photos – Take
photos of all the vehicles involved and the accident scene, license
plate numbers, witness information and any other facts you think
might be important.
- Beware of unsolicited tows – Be
wary of tow trucks that arrive on the scene without anyone having
called for the service. GEICO has a local tow provider list to
assist policyholders.
- Do not tailgate – Criminals will
brake unexpectedly to cause an accident. Look out for vehicles that
brake suddenly for no apparent reason.
- Count parties involved – Note
the number of occupants in each involved vehicle. The number of
claimed injuries may increase from the actual number of people
involved.
- Beware of fake injury claims –
Be cautious of physicians who insist you file a personal injury
claim after an accident, especially if you are not hurt. He added,
“In fact, be aware of any service providers and professionals that
seem to appear out of nowhere and suggest medical and legal
services.”
If you suspect fraud, notify police or call GEICO
(1-800-824-5404 ext. 3313). For more information, please go to
GEICO.
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