YOU ARE HERE: LAT HomeCollections (Page 2 of 2)  Insurers Say
Crash Scams Are Increasing : Automobiles: Companies and some law
officers say fraud rings leaving L.A. may be preying on well-
insured Ventura County drivers.   The squat car will position
itself in front of the victim--usually someone driving a late-
model car that is likely to carry insurance--and narrow the
distance between them. A second vehicle--the swoop car--
approaches in the next lane and suddenly changes lanes to cut
off the squat car. The squat car's driver then slams on the
brakes, and causes the unwary motorist following to rear-end it.
In a swoop-and-squat scam, those staging the accident often have
several passengers in the car. One of them gets out of the car
and begins directing traffic to get rid of potential witnesses.
Usually, no one claims an injury at the scene, and the victim
exchanges insurance information with the stagers. Later, the
victim receives a letter about whiplash, back pains or other
injuries that are difficult to p