Oldham’s crash-for-cash scams hotspot

Scam hotspot at Manchester Road island

AN Oldham roundabout is the sixth worst spot in the country for crash-for- cash insurance claims.

The Manchester Street roundabout, where it meets Oldham Way bypass, is a hotspot for insurance fraudsters who fake accidents by making unnecessary emergency stops.

Figures compiled by insurance company Direct Line show the busy roundabout, currently undergoing work as part of the Metrolink extension, is a favourite for fraudsters.

Innocent
The worrying trend often sees drivers brake sharply at sliproads and busy roundabouts causing motorists to crash into the back of them.

They then make claims to the innocent driver’s insurer, in many cases claiming fictitious injuries and passengers to boost compensation payouts.

Two other North-West sites in the UK top 10 include the M61 junction 4 in Bolton and Woolston Grange Avenue in Warrington.

Paul Hubbard, head of counter fraud operations at insurers Direct Line, said: “As well as adding to the cost of insurance, they delay payouts on genuine claims as any reported accident at a known scam site has to undergo additional investigations.

“Just the actions of a few, can cost motorists a significant amount of money and pose a real threat to people’s lives.”

Last year’s survey showed the North-West to be the worst region in the country for such claims, however London and the South-East now take the top spots.

The hotspots are identified by fraud and investigation teams, who use the data in an attempt to clampdown and challenge such claims.

Mr Hubbard added: “We will not tolerate fraudsters and always push for the harshest penalties, as we have a duty to protect our customers.

“Every pound taken by a fraudster is a pound taken from honest motorists.”

Fraud can also be reported free of charge to the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s confidential hotline on 0800 328 2550 or online at www.insurancefraudbureau.org/report