os Angeles County officials have issued a warning about fraudulent tow companies allegedly taking advantage of Eaton Fire survivors. These illegal operations reportedly targeted affected areas starting on January 7, the day the fire began, by posing as authorized contractors and towing vehicles without the owners’ consent.
Exploiting Survivors During Crisis
Supervisor Kathryn Barger condemned the scheme, calling it a heartless exploitation of people already struggling in the aftermath of the wildfire.
“I find it disgusting that these fraudulent tow operators exploited fire survivors during their time of distress,” Barger said. “Those behind this abhorrent scheme must be held accountable and brought to justice.”
According to Barger’s office, the fraudulent companies falsely claimed to be working with Altadena officials and removed vehicles without informing owners of their whereabouts. Victims were later hit with excessive fees to recover their vehicles, some of which were taken as far as Riverside or San Bernardino County. In some cases, the operators even requested residents’ driver’s licenses, raising concerns about potential identity theft.
How the Scam Worked
- Tow truck operators falsely claimed official authorization from local authorities.
- Vehicles were towed without notifying the owners or providing information on where the cars were being taken.
- Excessive fees were demanded for the release of the vehicles.
- Some victims were asked to hand over their driver’s license information, which could lead to identity fraud.
What Can Victims Do?
Supervisor Barger is urging anyone who believes they were targeted by these fraudulent tow companies to come forward. Victims or those who are struggling to locate their vehicles are encouraged to contact Sergeant Regina Garay of the Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force at: (909) 919-2242
The task force is available 24/7 to assist victims in recovering their vehicles and investigating fraudulent claims.
“I urge anyone who was victimized to come forward so we can stop these bad actors from preying on our communities,” Barger stated.
How to Protect Yourself from Tow Truck Scams
- Verify the company: Always ask for proper identification or proof that the tow company is contracted by local authorities.
- Know your rights: In California, tow companies must notify vehicle owners of their rights before towing unless the car is illegally parked.
- Document everything: If your vehicle is towed, take photos of the scene and ask for a written receipt from the towing company.
- Be cautious with personal information: Never share your driver’s license details unless you are sure the company is legitimate.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively working to track down those responsible for this scheme. The Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force is investigating whether this scam is part of a larger network of fraudulent towing operations across Southern California.
