Fake-accident scam network dismantled in Bucharest: three detained, woman arrested at airport
A gang of four people defrauded drivers using the "fake accident" method in Bucharest. Two suspects have been detained, the woman arrested at the airport, the fourth is being sought.
Gang of scammers who simulated road accidents dismantled in Bucharest
Police in Bucharest have dismantled a gang specialising in fraud through the "fake accident" method, according to ProTV News. Four suspects – three men and a woman – were identified after several drivers filed complaints with police.
The scenario worked according to a well-planned pattern. The three suspects would follow drivers in traffic and, at a certain point, would stop them to tell them they had hit a woman with their car. The incident was always placed at an intersection where the victim had just made a turn, in order to create the impression for the driver that they might not have noticed the impact.
The scenario: the woman who "waited" at the accident scene
Drivers were persuaded to return to the supposed accident scene, where a woman awaited them. She would claim she had been hit by the car, that she had been frightened and that her phone had fallen and broken. For more sceptical victims, the woman also invoked pain in a leg. Then came the negotiation: the sum demanded was between 7,000 and 10,000 lei, to cover the cost of a "damaged" phone.
In at least six cases, drivers were brought back to the indicated location. In at least two of these situations, the victims paid the requested sum. Another driver realised something was wrong and suggested they go together to the police station. The individuals refused and immediately left the scene.
Four suspects identified, one still at large
Following searches carried out, police recovered money in several currencies and nine mobile phones. Two men were detained in Bucharest. The woman from the group was arrested at the airport whilst attempting to leave the country. The fourth suspect remains at large at this time.
The "fake accident" method has also been used by other criminal gangs. In some cases, the perpetrators have put their lives in danger by actually throwing themselves in front of vehicles, in order to subsequently claim sums of money.
Police recommend that any driver involved in a road incident – including a minor one in which a pedestrian claims to have been hit – should immediately proceed to the nearest police station and report the incident.
Source: Știrile ProTV