How the scam works:
(with video below) Imagine this: You are in a parking lot and you carefully back out. The path seems clear, but there is an unexpected bang that doesn't make sense. You stop and see that you just hit another car (most likely an older make), but you can't understand how this happened.
You wonder why they kept driving when they saw you backing out, avoiding the impact. A couple of people from a third car come out and say they witnessed the accident and it was your fault, although you know it was not.
Then the driver you hit says: “It's okay, just give me $400 and I'll forget about my bumper”, while the “witnesses”, who are his partners, suggest that this might be the best solution you have if you don't want to get your insurance involved.
Watch the video below to see the Staged Accident scam exposed.
How to avoid:
Don't pay them a dime. Use your phone to snap a few pictures and also request all their identification. If you go to court, you need to know who you're fighting against. Beware, this car accident compensation claim scam happens everywhere: Canada, US, Australia, United Kingdom, etc.
How to report:
Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
Report Scammers To The FTC Here
How to protect yourself more:
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Something like this happens alot in Nogales Arizona. You will find a note on your windshield from a Nogales Police Officer, usually with the last name Martinez, Badge #252, who will request that you call the police ASAP to discuss your "Collision" with another car that is nowhere in sight. He will demand get your Insurance information and give you a criminal misdemeanor charge of "Failure to Exchange Information".
Its a current scam that members of the Nogales Police Dept. know about and participate in. When you ask for information on the person that called the police, thay say that they are a "witness" and you are not allowed that information. There is usually no damage on your car but they want your information anyway.
He will claim to have witnesses and "Evidence". He really has nothing. In my opinion, dumb hater cop that makes extra $$ doing this..