A couple whose car appears to have been deliberately reversed into believe they have been the victims of a common motor scam.

A man tried to launch a personal injury claim against Barrie and Lesley Selwyn after their cars collided, but CCTV footage emerged that appears to show him deliberately reversing into their car.

Barrie and Lesley Selwyn were driving from Mill Hill to their home in Teddington when the car in front of them stopped and reversed into their stationery car.

Mr Selwyn, 64, said the driver of the vehicle got out of his car and, along with another man, accused the Selwyns of crashing into him.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Footage appears to show the car in front reverse into the Selwyn's vehicle

The couple, a semi-retired teacher and a retired headteacher, contacted the police when their insurance company told them the man was filing a claim for personal injury against them.

Mr Selwyn returned to the scene of the crash and managed to obtain the CCTV footage from the nearby Anytime Fitness Gym.

The “crash-for-cash” scam is a well-known scheme used by fraudsters who exploit the fact that the law states the driver is at fault in a crash.

The scam costs the insurance industry £400m a year, according to thisismoney.co.uk, but insurance firms now work with police to crack down on it.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Barrie and Lesley Selwyn

Mr Selwyn said the experience made him and his wife feel as though they had been mugged.

He said: “It makes you feel very vulnerable. I feel unprotected.”

Mr Selwyn is insured with Ageas, and a spokesman from the firm confirmed they were contacted about the crash, which took place on July 29.

The spokesman said: “We were informed that the third party reversed into Mrs Selwyn and we therefore hold the third party driver liable for the incident. The third party has disputed liability, prompting Mrs Selwyn’s concern that this was a staged incident.

“Ageas takes such matters very seriously and our Claims Team is undertaking a detailed investigation, including discussions with the witness and analysis of CCTV footage. This footage was sent to the third party insurer on August 10 as evidence that their insured is at fault.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

"It is like being mugged."

“Our Claims Team will keep Mrs Selwyn informed of the progress with the claim and we will continue to hold the third party responsible.”

Mr Selywn reported the incident to police but received a letter from the Metropolitan Police Traffic Prosecution service that said no further action would be taken.

He said he was disappointed the police were not willing to pursue an investigation.

Mr Selwyn said: “I feel like I have been mugged but it is not being seen as such because it’s not in the street with a knife.

“They have tried to assault us through our insurance.”

The Insurance Fraud Bureau’s cheatline can be reached on 0800 422 0421.