In October 2024, dashcam footage from a commercial vehicle in Queens, New York, revealed a disturbing trend: a silver sedan cut in front of the driver on the Belt Parkway, stopped abruptly, and reversed into the vehicle—all to stage a crash. The occupants then jumped out clutching their backs, attempting to make it appear like a legitimate accident. 

This was not random. Commercial vehicles are increasingly being targeted by fraudsters looking to cash in on staged accidents. As your insurance carrier, we want to alert you to this growing problem and offer practical steps you and your drivers can take to avoid it. 

Why Commercial Vehicles Are Targeted 

Fraudsters see commercial vehicles as high-reward targets. Here’s why: 

  • Larger insurance policies often mean bigger payouts. 
  • Professional drivers are assumed to be insured and less likely to escalate the situation. 
  • Busy schedules may discourage drawn-out disputes, leading to quicker settlements. 

Whether your fleet includes delivery vans, service trucks, or long-haul rigs, your drivers need to stay alert to potential crash-for-cash tactics. 

Where and When These Scams Happen 

Staged accidents involving commercial vehicles are most common: 

  • In high-traffic urban corridors, especially during peak hours. 
  • Near intersections, merge points, and freeway exits. 
  • In areas where vehicles naturally follow close behind due to congestion or stop-and-go conditions. 

Scammers may operate in teams and may even have accomplices arrive on-scene (tow trucks, “helpful” bystanders, or fake witnesses). 

Common Scenarios to Watch For 

  • Swoop and squat: A car cuts in front of your vehicle and slams on the brakes. 
  • Drive-down scam: A driver waves your truck out of a lot or intersection, then rams you and denies ever waving. 
  • Sudden reverse: A vehicle in front of you suddenly backs into your bumper, then claims you rear-ended them. 

Commercial drivers are especially vulnerable because of their vehicle size and perceived ability to “cause more damage.” 

What Your Drivers Should Do Immediately After 

  1. Stay safe and don’t engage. Move to a safe location and call dispatch or law enforcement immediately. 
  2. Record everything. Use in-cab or dash cameras, and take additional photos of vehicles, license plates, damage, and occupants. Record behavior if safe. 
  3. Don’t admit fault. Politely exchange information and wait for police. Let the investigation play out. 
  4. Document the scene. Encourage your drivers to note road conditions, time, location, and any suspicious behavior.  Also, it’s incredibly important for the driver to note the number of occupants of the other vehicle and any identifying information about them. 
  5. Watch for third parties. Be wary of tow trucks, attorneys, or clinics that show up unsolicited. 

Next Best Steps for Fleet Managers 

  • Install and maintain dashcams. Video evidence is one of the strongest defenses against fraudulent claims. 
  • Train your drivers. Include staged accident awareness in onboarding and continuing education. 
  • Report incidents promptly. Notify your carrier immediately of any suspected scam—they should help guide the investigation and preserve evidence. 
  • Review incident reports. Look for patterns or locations where your fleet may be repeatedly targeted. 

Fraud hurts everyone—especially businesses performing on tight margins. As your insurance carrier, we offer resources to help protect your operation.  Visit our website for additional actionable solutions that can be implemented to Detect, Deter, and Defeat insurance fraud.