Department of Insurance warns drivers about vehicle hostage scam sweeping Southland

Captain Eric Hood of the California Department of Insurance Fraud Division, presents a PSA on a vehicle hostage scam occurring throughout Southern California. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Department public service announcement follows arraignment of 16 residents in alleged auto insurance fraud ring RIVERSIDE — The California Department of Insurance issued a PSA on Tuesday, Feb. 18 with a warning for California drivers about an increase in scams involving tow truck companies targeting car accident victims where vehicles are being held hostage for cash. The scam has become prevalent in Southern California and the Department’s Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force has investigated multiple cases including one that has resulted in the arraignment and charges against 16 Southern California residents.This task force investigation found the auto fraud ring allegedly conspired to create fraudulent insurance claims to illegally collect over $216,932. The inves
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