Car Accident Scam

From the crowded freeways to mall parking lots, con-artists are trying to swindle you into a costly accident that will impact your finances for years to come. With some awareness of the tricks they play, you can avoid these highway predators. 1. The classic “swoop and squat” maneuver. You are in tight traffic (slow morning commuter variety) suddenly a car passes you and cuts abruptly in front of the car you are following. This driver slams on his brakes and you rear-end his car. The best defense is to scan several cars ahead and keep a couple of car-lengths between you and those taillights in front of you. 2. The “drive-down” is commonly used in busy mall parking garages or merging freeway entrances. Another driver will wave you through and then punch the gas to ram into your vehicle. In the police report, the person claims they never waved you on and accuses you of reckless driving. To be safe, just surrender the right-of-way to the “wave-through” driver or be sure you have legal right-of-way. 3. Take special notice of erratic vehicles filled with riders. Predators love to get in staged accidents and file multiple claims. Always call the police if you get in an auto accident. A savvy habit is to carry a disposable camera in the glove compartment to photo-document any car damage or accident site.