By Joanna Putman
Police1
NEW YORK — The NYPD is investigating a staged vehicle accident that went viral on TikTok, as insurance scams like these are reportedly increasing in New York, the according to the New York Post.
The incident, which occurred on Oct. 16, was captured on dashcam and involved a driver reversing into the victim before passengers emerged, claiming injuries, according to the report. The NYPD’s Fraudulent Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case.
The driver was safely traveling along a roadway when a silver car cut her off and abruptly stopped, forcing her to brake, the viral video shows. The driver then backed into her car. Several passengers exited the vehicle, acting injured, while another car, the driver of which is presumed to be involved in the fraud, picked up the silver car’s driver.
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Experts say these scams are part of a growing trend in heavily congested areas, with criminals targeting unsuspecting drivers to file fraudulent insurance claims, according to the report. Mark Friedlander, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, told the New York Post staged accidents cost insurers around $20 billion annually, raising premiums for everyone.
New York ranked second in 2023 for staged accidents, with 1,729 cases, a 14% increase from the previous year. In these schemes, fraudsters often involve medical professionals and lawyers to exaggerate injuries and inflate insurance claims, according to the report.
While the NYPD continues its investigation, the car involved in the scam was later found vandalized in Brooklyn, with locals labeling it with signs reading “frauds” and “rats,” according to the report. Authorities recommend drivers install dashcams to protect themselves from similar incidents.