If you’ve been in an accident and your phone hasn’t stopped ringing, these calls may be car accident scam calls trying to profit from your injuries. Understanding why you’re getting calls after an accident and what to do about them can protect your privacy and legal case.
The Proliferation of Spam Calls in Car Accident Cases
Many people experience a sudden and seemingly coincidental increase in spam calls following a car accident, but they often stem from your information circulating through various channels.
Crashes may become public record
In many states, police accident reports are public documents. These reports often include:
- Your name
- Phone number
- Vehicle details
- Insurance information
Towing companies, body shops, and other parties sometimes access this data to solicit business. Car accident reports are only accessible in California for authorized parties, such as those involved in the crash and their legal representation, so spam callers with this information may have obtained it through unethical means.
Data brokers sell your information
Some apps and services collect location and contact data if you haven’t restricted data sharing permissions, and data brokers can buy and resell this information. For example, if you called a towing company or a hospital or even used your phone for directions near the crash site, a GPS app may log your data and circulate it to data broker systems or marketing platforms.
Unauthorized runners work the area
Case runners and ambulance chasers are unauthorized services that review crash records and cold-call victims. These services steer victims toward attorney offices or clinics in return for referral fees, which is illegal under California law.
Insurance companies share data
Insurance adjusters may exchange information with service providers, vendors, and databases. If even one fails to safeguard their data, your personal information may be compromised and end up in marketing lists, triggering spam calls from outside parties.
Scammers exploit timely events
Scammers time their calls to exploit victims when they’re overwhelmed, injured, or otherwise emotionally vulnerable after an accident. These callers pretend to represent clinics or law firms and falsely offer quick payouts or support. They may push you to provide sensitive personal data that they can use for scams.
How to Identify Spam Calls
Car accident phone call scams may sound legitimate or match your circumstances, but they usually follow recognizable patterns.
Calls within days of an accident
If a stranger calls within several days of your crash, they likely obtained your data from a data broker system or police report — especially if you haven’t filed a claim yet. These early calls are often from people trying to reach you before you can contact a reputable lawyer or insurer.
Vague identification
Legitimate professionals offer clear identification with their full name, their role, and the organization they represent, and they can explain their connection to your claim. Spam callers may use robocallers or scripts, often starting with vague statements such as, “We’re reaching out about your recent accident,” and may provide generic or made-up names.
Pressure tactics
Be cautious if a caller tells you to use a legal firm, clinic, or other service provider, especially if they promise free services or guaranteed payouts. Ethical professionals don’t cold-call or promise settlements before assessing your case.
If you question the caller or hesitate, they may respond with more aggressive tactics. For example, they may claim that your rights could expire or that you’re legally required to cooperate.
Requests for personal details
A spam caller may ask for these personal details:
- Driver’s license
- Policy number
- Social security number
- Adjuster’s contact information
While spam callers may claim that they need this information to assist your case, reputable parties only request it according to legal and ethical guidelines.
Risks and Scams Associated with Spam Calls
Spam calls can be harmful attempts to access your information. For example:
- Insurance fraud scams: Scammers impersonate insurance companies and ask for crash details to file false claims, which can delay a legitimate claim.
- Referral kickback schemes: Free treatment offers are often connected to illegal referrals. Referred services, such as medical clinics, may exaggerate injuries to bill your insurer, which can impact your recovery and injury claim.
- Phishing and identity theft: Calls may impersonate a government agency, insurance company, or bank to request sensitive personal data and commit identity theft or financial fraud.
- Settlement scams: Scammers promise high compensation, but these offers may involve hidden fees or fraudulent contracts.
Protecting Yourself from Spam Calls
After an accident, share your personal information only with trusted parties, such as:
- Law enforcement or paramedics at the accident.
- Your insurance company.
- Your doctor.
- A verified attorney you contacted directly.
Let calls from unfamiliar numbers go to voicemail and block suspicious callers. Legitimate callers will leave a message that includes verifiable contact information. Many phones have built-in settings that filter and block spam calls and unfamiliar numbers. Be aware of spam texts, which may contain malicious links or ask for personal information.
Legal and Regulatory Measures
While it won’t stop all spam calls, adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce calls after a car accident. You can report unwanted calls 31 days after registering your number.
In California, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CPPA) allows you to delete most personal information collected by businesses and gives you the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information. You can make these requests with data brokers, which are required to register with the CPPA, as well as marketing firms and other businesses you’ve shared information with.
Seeking Assistance from Legal Professionals
If you’ve been injured in a crash and are receiving unwanted calls, a qualified attorney can help by:
- Protecting your rights.
- Defending against unauthorized use of personal information.
- Preventing further harm or financial loss.
- Providing clarity and confidence.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani Today
If you’re dealing with car accident scam calls, unsolicited offers, or concerns about your privacy, The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani and our team of accident attorneys can help. Call (888) 912-7115 to set up your no-cost case evaluation!