THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gangs are once again active in submitting false documents to claim insurance money for fake car accidents. Even minor accidents with no driver injuries or vehicle damage are being misrepresented as serious incidents. Some are passing off drunk driving accidents as natural accidents.

The medical college police recently filed a case following a court directive. Sub-Inspector R Jose of the Pattam traffic station is now the second accused for submitting a false charge sheet to claim a Rs 7 lakh insurance payout for Nisar, a Muttathara resident.

On January 10, 2017 Nisar was supposedly seriously injured in a collision with Muneer's bike near Infosys, Kazhakoottam. Nisar filed a claim with Reliance General Insurance and provided a fake wound certificate from the Medical College Hospital. The insurance company grew suspicious and discovered that neither Muneer's vehicle nor Muneer were at the scene that day. The wound certificate was also found to be fake. The insurance company alerted the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.

In 2012, the crime branch uncovered a group that was extorting money through fake insurance claims. On that day, 12 people including police officers and lawyers were accused.

Scammers deceive car owners by promising to pay them half of the insurance money. They also approach individuals involved in minor accidents have them sign documents and then exaggerate the claims. With this fraud on the rise even legitimate car accident claims are being delayed.