Beware: Tow Truck Scam Targeting Drivers in Southern California
Officials from the California Department of Insurance are warning drivers in Southern California about a growing scam where tow truck companies are taking advantage of people involved in traffic accidents. The scam, known as the "vehicle hostage" scam, tricks drivers into paying large amounts of money to retrieve their vehicles.
According to a recent release, the scam typically starts when a tow truck shows up right after an accident, offering to help by towing the car to a body shop. Once at the shop, drivers are forced to pay a high fee to get their car back, often more than what insurance covers.
In an investigation by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force, 16 people were charged in a case involving fake insurance claims, which led to nearly $217,000 in illegal payments. The same group is suspected of taking vehicles under false pretenses to a shop called California Collision in San Bernardino.
Here are a few red flags to watch out for if you’re involved in an accident:
Tow trucks showing up shortly after the crash, even if you didn’t call for one.
The tow truck driver telling you which body shop your car will be taken to.
The driver saying someone will call you or asking for your signature.
The driver offering a ride share to take you somewhere.
If you think you might be a target of this scam, verify the tow truck company with your insurance or wait for the California Highway Patrol to confirm that the tow truck was dispatched. Don’t sign any papers until you’ve confirmed the legitimacy of the company.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara emphasized that this scam takes advantage of people at their most vulnerable moments, right after an accident, when they should be focused on safety, not dealing with fraudulent charges. The Department of Insurance is dedicated to protecting Californians from fraud.
For more details on how to protect yourself or to report fraud, contact the California Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.
