The LA Times has an article about a scam called “swoop and squat,” which forces car driving victims to rear-end the scam artists’ cars. It works like this. You, the victim, are driving along the freeway when a car suddenly pulls in front of you. Immediately, another car pulls in front of both of you, and slams the brakes. The car directly in front of you slams the breaks and you end up rear ending that car. As soon as that happens, the car in front leaves the scene, never to be seen again. The result: you and your insurance company end up paying bogus medical claims and outrageous repair bills.

These crimes are on the rise because it is financially lucrative for the crooks. Even low level participants can make $10,000 or more for assisting a staged accident. Some organized auto fraud rings are so complex they involve hundreds of willing participants, including unscrupulous lawyers, doctors, chiropractors, auto shops, tow truck operators, ambulance drivers, police officers and insurance company employees, according to NICB investigations.

from: www.boingboing.net