CNBC AI News, July 7th – A viral video circulating on Chinese social media platform Douyin, shared by automotive influencer “Brother Niu Says Cars,” has exposed a sophisticated new scam targeting ride-hailing drivers, sparking widespread discussion online.
According to the blogger, this particular “cash-for-damage” scheme is virtually unavoidable, with an estimated 99% failure rate for victims. The tactic has reportedly been employed in several incidents across China, with multiple news outlets also covering the phenomenon.
The modus operandi described involves a carefully orchestrated maneuver. As a driver approaches a turn or lane change, they might check their mirrors and ascertain a safe distance from a following vehicle. However, upon initiating the maneuver, the ride-hailing car behind them will suddenly accelerate, deliberately causing a collision.
Another variation cited includes drivers habitually crossing solid lines or following too closely, leading to a sudden brake by the car ahead and a subsequent rear-end collision.
While drivers may feel indignant in such situations, they are often found to be entirely at fault according to traffic regulations. Initially, the immediate financial concern might be limited to the repair costs covered by insurance.
The real sting, however, comes months later. Victims often receive unexpected court summonses, claiming they damaged the ride-hailing vehicle and demanding compensation for lost income due to the car being out of service.
With ride-hailing drivers typically earning anywhere from ¥400-¥600 (approximately $55-$83 USD) per day, even a week of downtime can amount to thousands in lost revenue. Crucially, insurance policies generally do not cover these “loss of use” claims, as they are considered indirect damages, with insurers only covering direct repair costs.
The sophistication of these staged accidents is highlighted by the timing of the lawsuits. By waiting several months, the perpetrators ensure that the incident has surpassed the typical statute of limitations for immediate appeals. Furthermore, the initial traffic police report, often classifying the victim as solely responsible, serves as a key piece of evidence. Coupled with meticulously prepared documentation of earnings and repair invoices, these scams are designed to be difficult to contest, with victims facing a high probability of losing in court.
The blogger acknowledges the difficulty in preventing such scams but advises drivers to avoid admitting fault immediately in similar situations. Instead, they should insist that traffic police review surveillance footage to establish a clear record of events.
The influencer also points out that individuals engaging in this behavior are unlikely to act alone. Frequent occurrences of similar accidents would naturally draw the attention of transportation authorities, potentially leading to a thorough investigation that could ultimately expose the perpetrators.
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