Viral dashcam video reveals suspected insurance fraud on Queens' Belt Parkway

A viral dashcam video from Queens' Belt Parkway has garnered widespread attention as it appears to expose an alleged insurance scam in which a silver sedan reverses into an SUV after an abrupt stop.

The footage, first posted on TikTok, shows Natasha Ashipa's car suddenly being forced to stop and the Accord then intentionally backing into her vehicle. The clip quickly gained traction online as viewers highlighted the seemingly staged nature of the accident.

“This guy just turned into me. What the hell is going on?” In the video, Ashipa is heard saying, visibly shocked by the incident. Michael Salazar, a retired NYPD officer and criminal justice professor, analyzed the video for FOX 5 and noticed the telltale signs of a planned scam, such as a Hefty bag covering the rear window to conceal the drivers' identities.

Salazar, a criminal justice expert, commented that scams like this often target solo drivers, particularly women, in busy urban areas like New York City.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, such fraudulent schemes are common in major cities where they take advantage of vulnerable drivers. Salazar advised drivers to use dash cameras and contact authorities if they suspect a staged accident. He explained: “Dashcams can be invaluable in capturing such incidents and protecting against fraudulent claims.”