Police probe over 70 new traffic-related frauds, with a claimant reporting 'neck injuries' 20 times

Hong Kong has recorded more than 70 suspected cases of a new traffic-related scam, where fraudsters falsely claim injuries after filming drivers’ minor traffic violations to demand compensation, with police suspecting organized fraud, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Sunday. 

Speaking on a radio program, Tang noted that perpetrators use dashcams to document traffic violations, particularly when a driver cuts across double white lines. They then report the violations to the police. 

Following the driver’s payment of the associated fines, the fraudsters reached out, claiming they were driving behind and that the sudden lane change caused them neck injuries and psychological distress. They demand compensation of hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.  

Tang said investigations revealed that some “victims” who claimed injuries and filed claims had been involved in multiple similar incidents. An extreme case involved an individual claiming neck injuries in over 20 separate incidents, which police find implausible and believe indicates organized fraud. 

The police have also discovered that some law firms and a few doctors are repeatedly handling these kinds of claims. Tang emphasized that while it remains premature to conclude complicity on the part of these professionals, investigations and decisive enforcement will be taken if any illegal activities are identified. 

Tang urged the public to report traffic accidents to the police immediately and to refer all claims to their insurance companies. He emphasized the importance of notifying insurers, as their databases can help identify suspicious cases. Drivers should report any unreasonable compensation amounts or suspicious circumstances to the police.  

Addressing concerns that some drivers hesitate to notify insurers for fear of losing their No-Claim Bonus (NCB), Tang said authorities have met with the insurance industry, which has assured that if car owners are ultimately found not at fault, their NCB will not be deducted. He urged drivers to contact insurers promptly to protect themselves and avoid falling victim to scammers.