California Residents Arrested for Faking Bear Attacks to Scam Insurance Companies

Four Arrested in California for Allegedly Staging Bear Attacks to Receive Insurance Payouts

Source: CBS News

Details of the Incident

• A group of four residents from Los Angeles County was arrested for allegedly staging bear attacks.
• They used a bear costume to simulate bear damage to their vehicles, attempting to defraud insurance companies.
• This investigation, dubbed "Operation Bear Claw," originated from a tip-off from one of the insurance companies.

Insurance Claims and Investigation Findings

• On January 28, 2024, multiple similar insurance claims were filed for damages reportedly caused by a bear in Lake Arrowhead.
• Investigators discovered that the individuals submitted videos showing the supposed bear attacking their cars, which were later determined to feature a person in a bear costume.
• A biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the fraud, establishing that the videos were not of a real bear.

Fraudulent Claims Amount

• The total amount defrauded from insurance companies reached approximately $141,839.
• The vehicles involved included a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG, and a 2022 Mercedes E350.

Arrests and Charges

• The suspects were identified as Ruben Tamrazian, 26; Ararat Chirkinian, 39; Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32; and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39.
• Each was charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy.
• The arrests were facilitated by Glendale police and the California Highway Patrol.

Conclusion

This bizarre case highlights the lengths to which some will go in attempts to commit insurance fraud, ultimately resulting in legal consequences for the individuals involved.