Southern California, Hostage Scams

California Drivers Warned of Spike in Vehicle Hostage Scams
Authorities are warning California drivers about a rise in vehicle hostage scams, where scammers demand money to release towed or impounded cars. The scam has become prevalent in Southern California,
16 arrested in alleged auto insurance fraud scheme; California officials warn of ‘vehicle hostage’ scams
Investigators discovered that a non-sworn employee of the California Highway Patrol, Rosa Isela Santistevan, 56, of Irvine, allegedly was selling traffic collision reports.
Vehicle hostage scams on the rise in Southern California, officials warn: What you need to know
The investigation began in November 2022 when it was discovered that a California Highway Patrol employee, Rosa Isela Santistevan, 56, of Irvine, was unlawfully selling traffic collision report face pages. This led to the identification of the fraud ring, which involved multiple individuals and entities across Southern California.
Drivers are being warned of spike in ‘vehicle hostage’ scams. The red flags you should know
Drivers are being warned of spike in ‘vehicle hostage’ scams. The red flags you should know - The alleged scammers were charged in another scheme in which vehicles were towed under false pretenses
California drivers warned about predatory towing scam sweeping across state
They say that tow truck companies are targeting drivers involved in collisions, picking up their cars and then holding them hostage for large amounts of money.
State officials warn of predatory towing scam targeting drivers just in collisions
Lauren Pozen details a new scam targeting drivers who were just involved in crashes that need their cars towed and what you should do if the same thing happens to you.
Los Angeles Daily News2d
16 arrested in alleged auto insurance fraud scheme; officials warn of ‘vehicle hostage’ scams
Also see: Vehicles taken ‘hostage’ in insurance fraud scheme ... In order to avoid being a victim of this scam, the California Department of Insurance urged drivers to be aware of these ...
Got into a car accident and a tow truck arrived immediately? It may be part of a scam
The scam involves your car being held "hostage" and you being forced to pay a large amount of money to get it back.
LA Tow Truck Crime Ring That Held Crashed Cars Hostage Busted by Police
Officials charged 16 people who reportedly made a total of $217,000 by scamming accident victims in the LA area.
Repairer Driven News3d
Alleged bandit towing ring charged in Southern California
The California Department of Insurance has issued a public service announcement warning drivers in the state about increased ...