In the age of dashcams and social media, would-be scammers are finding it harder to get away with staged accidents. An Insurance scam caught on a recent viral video circulating on Reddit and TikTok perfectly illustrates why having a camera in your car has become essential in today’s driving environment.
The Incident
The video, posted by TikTok user Asphia Natasha and now viewed over 25 million times, captures what appears to be an attempted insurance scam in Queens, New York. The footage reveals a disturbing sequence of events: a car full of alleged scammers driving aggressively and making erratic lane changes, followed by multiple attempts to suddenly stop in front of another vehicle. When their initial attempts failed, they resorted to backing up into a stopped car to simulate a rear-end collision. The occupants then quickly exited their vehicle, appearing to feign injuries while attempting to document the “accident” by photographing the other car’s license plate. However, their plan quickly unraveled when they noticed something they hadn’t counted on: a dashcam recording their every move.
Insurance fraud attempt in Queens NY by these clowns 🤡
byu/DonChrisVX indashcamgifs
This incident particularly resonated with me because a close friend experienced a similar situation. Watching this footage brought back memories of his ordeal and reinforced the importance of being prepared for such scenarios.
Protecting Yourself
While the police may not always respond to non-injury incidents, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Install a Dashcam
- Consider it an investment in your security
- Many affordable options are available
- Some insurance companies even offer discounts for having one
- Keep Your Phone Ready
- If you don’t have a dashcam, your phone is the next best thing
- Consider mounting your phone where you can quickly access it
- Familiarize yourself with your phone’s quick camera access features
- Additional Safety Tips
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Be aware of suspicious driving behavior
- If possible, drive in well-lit areas with witnesses present
- Consider installing front and rear-facing cameras for complete coverage
The Power of Technology
This viral video demonstrates how technology is changing the landscape of insurance fraud. Scammers who once relied on their word against yours now have to contend with video evidence that can expose their schemes instantly.
Remember, the best defense against insurance fraud is being prepared and vigilant. While we can’t prevent all scam attempts, we can make it much harder for scammers to succeed.
Have you had a similar experience? What precautions do you take to protect yourself while driving? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Related: https://instinctmagazine.com/french-pole-vaulter-jokes-about-his-viral-moment/