Eagle Couriers, Scotland's leading independent courier firm has issued a warning to motorists to be vigilant against a new series of insurance scams sweeping the UK.
The move comes after the firm, which employs more than 100 people between Edinburgh and Glasgow, was alerted to the practices by industry officials.
One scam involves fraudsters driving in front of a moving truck or van before braking heavily causing the van to crash into the back of their vehicle. They then claim from their insurers stating the crash was caused by the driver who ran into them, they the keep the money that is paid out.
The second scam involves con-artists who flag down goods vehicles by indicating that their tail lift has come unlocked. Once the drivers stop to check the fraudsters then steal the goods vehicle.
Jerry Stewart, a director for Eagle Couriers, said in a statement: "We have warned all our staff about both of these scenarios so they can be vigilant against them and will be able to realise if a scam is about to be perpetrated against them. We regularly carry sensitive documents and information in our vehicles, so it is essential that our staff are informed and on their guard at all times to ensure the safe delivery of these materials.
"However, other drivers also need to be aware of these practices and ensure that they do not get targeted by these people. The con-artists tend to target goods vehicles to stage deliberate crashes against, as they are heavier and do not brake as quickly as a normal car, but they have also been known to target other big vehicles such as 4x4s and large family saloons.
"We recommend that drivers stay alert to these practices on the road and, if they are targeted by one of these gangs, to make sure that they do not take liability for the accident.
"Insurance companies are becoming wise to claimants who stage deliberate crashes, so it is vital that you not only take the number plate and details of the other drivers involved, but also write a detailed account of what happened."
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Last updated: 14 November 2008, 07:00
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