SEPTA, prosecutors vow faked injuries will mean real trouble

The mass transit agency for the Philadelphia region is teaming up with area district attorneys to try to eliminate fraudulent accident claims.

SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey said Thursday when riders on a SEPTA bus see an accident, some are dishonest and eager to cash in.

“A small segment of our riders believe in the urban legend that being involved on a SEPTA vehicle that has been in an accident is akin to winning the lottery based on frivolous injury claims,” Casey said.

To fight bogus claims, SEPTA is adding more video cameras as well as enlisting help from prosecutors, including Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

“As a lifelong Philadelphian, I have heard countless stories of people faking injuries and making false claims,” said Williams. “Bus accidents where everyone on the block falls down and says they were injured. Those days are over. Fraudulent claimants will be prosecuted and thanks to these new cameras we will have the evidence that we need.”

Video of some false claims will be used in SEPTA advertising to send a message that fraud will not be tolerated.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal