Road is their Stage, Fraud is their Game

Seeing is believing and that's why this tiny device is a great way to fight fraud. Video recordings help investigators identify if fraud is involved. It is also considered one of the best piece of evidence to present in court. Just be sure to maintain your in-vehicle camera and replace if faulty.

Fraudsters target distracted drivers. A momentary lapse of concentration can land you in an accident. Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and never tailgate. This will allow you more time to react in the event the driver in front suddenly brakes. You should also pay attention to vehicles around you because fraudsters may work in pairs or groups.

If a stranger walks up to you immediately after an accident offering to tow your vehicle or knows a "good" workshop, just say no. Most times, these "kind" souls are part of a syndicate out to cheat insurance companies. If found out, you too can be implicated and face dire consequences.

Evidence is very important in fighting fraud. When involved in an accident, take photos of the vehicles involved before moving them. Exchange particulars with the other driver(s) and note down the number of passengers and their age, gender and race. Also observe if any of the drivers or passengers has sustained any physical injuries or shows signs on pain.

Keep a lookout for these three most commonly staged accidents:

SCENE 1: Parking Lot Punk

You get into your car and look into your rear view mirror. All is clear and you start reversing your car out of the parking lot. BAMMM!!! Your car jerks and you see another vehicle at the rear of your car. 

While it may be a genuine case of not noticing an approaching vehicle, it could also be part of a fraudster's scheme. Some fraudsters may drive around a car park preying on unsuspecting victims. This situation is hard to get out of but can be avoided with these steps:

1. Park rear-in 
2. Reverse out slowly
3. Turn your head and look behind so you have a wider range of view
    

SCENE 2: Jam Brake Bully

This is one of the most common scenarios we've uncovered during our investigations. Fraudsters will jam their brakes causing you to slam into the rear of their vehicle. They may even cut into your lane abruptly and stop suddenly, leaving you no chance to react. They will then submit exorbitant claims for their vehicle and exaggerate their injury claims.

Don't get bullied by doing these:

1. Install an in-car camera (Make sure it works! )
2. Keep your phones away and don't get distracted
3. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front
    

SCENE 3: Tag Team Trapper

Sometimes, fraudsters work in pairs or even groups. In this scene, a duo will usually drive on both sides of your vehicle. One will swerve into your lane and stop abruptly while his teammate prevents you from swerving into another lane to avoid the collision. 

Here's how you can jump over the trap:

1. Remain observant on the road (Look out for suspicious behavior on the road)
2. Do not speed
3. Maintain your vehicle (especially tyres and brakes) regularly

Investigations into fraud are both resource and time intensive. If you think fraud is involved or have evidence, please contact your insurer or GIA Fraud Hotline (1800-44-37283) immediately. Send them whatever vidence you've gathered and don't leave out the small details. Fraud can only be curbed with everyone's help.