Drivers beware: Not every car collision is an accident. Some crashes are actually insurance scams.

Explainer Video: 'Swoop And Squat'

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner asked drivers to beware of scam artists staging car crashes to cash in on fraudulent insurance claims.

"Insurance fraud is like a $500 tax on every man, woman and child in California, and auto insurance fraud is a major part of this problem," Poizner said.

One of the more popular scams is known as a "swoop and squat," Poizner said.

According to the Allstate Insurance Company, during a swoop and squat maneuver, "two vehicles work as a team to set up an accident. One vehicle pulls in front of an innocent driver and the other alongside, blocking the victim."

"The lead car stops short, causing the victim to rear-end him. The car that pulled up alongside serves as a block and prevents the victim from avoiding a collision," according to Allstate's list of auto insurance fraud.

Poizner said the scam artists often look for "high-value targets," such as luxury cars or municipally owned vehicles.

Poizner said that in 2007, auto insurance fraud made up 61 percent of the complaints investigated by state agencies.

Consumers are being urged to look for red flags. Signs of a staged collision include:

• The car involved in the accident is loaded with passengers.
• The other driver has a relatively new insurance policy.
• The other car is in poor condition or has a salvage title.
• Traffic was flowing smoothly and other driver stopped suddenly.
• A witness substantiates everything the other driver says.
• The other driver and passengers all claim injury despite relatively minor collision damage to the vehicles.

In the event of a suspected staged collision, officials urge drivers to insist on a police report and to document as much information as possible, including taking cell phone photographs or video.

"We are warning these individuals that are considering this crime that we will find you, we will investigate these crimes and you will be prosecuted to full extent of the law," said Bob Clark of the CHP.

Suspected insurance scams can be reported by calling 800-927-HELP.