Shanghai Daily news

Street swindlers are faking traffic accidents to extort cash from motorbike drivers who illegally carry passengers for a fee, Qingpu District police said yesterday.

The scams came to light when officers received a report several days ago from a motorbike driver surnamed Pan, who told them he was cheated out of 2,400 yuan (US$350) by two men last month. The men pretended to be passengers and asked Pan to take them to Baihe Town and then caused a traffic accident on the way. The two men threatened they would call police if Pan didn't compensate them.