Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger urged Eaton Fire survivors Monday to report fraudulent tow companies that targeted them during and immediately following the blaze that killed at least 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 structures.
From Jan. 7-10, “deceptive operators” who falsely claimed to be contracted by Altadena officials towed vehicles without informing owners of their storage location, according to Barger’s office. Tow company representatives later demanded excessive fees to release the vehicles, some of which were stored in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
“I find it disgusting that these fraudulent tow operators exploited fire survivors during their time of distress,” Barger said in a statement. “Those behind this abhorrent scheme must be held accountable and brought to justice. I urge anyone who was victimized to come forward so we can stop these bad actors from preying on our communities.”
Residents struggling to locate their vehicle and anyone contacted by a tow company under suspicious circumstances, such as requests for a driver license photo, were asked to report their experience to Sgt. Regina Garay of the Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force, 909-919-2242.
The California Department of Insurance has also warned of the scams targeting Eaton Fire victims.
