“Scheme to Stage Hit-and-Run for Insurance Claim Foiled by Home Security Footage: Five Arrested in Ontario Crash Fraud Case”

– “SoCal residents accused of staging hit-and-run for insurance claim”
– “Alleged staged hit-and-run by 5 SoCal residents for $30K insurance”.

Accident – death – Obituary News : Home Security Footage Foils Attempted Insurance Fraud Scheme in Ontario

In a stunning turn of events, five individuals from Southern California have been arrested and are now facing felony fraud charges after attempting to stage a car crash and cash in on a $30,000 insurance claim. The scheme was foiled thanks to home security footage that captured the entire incident.

The California Department of Insurance released the security footage on Wednesday, revealing the elaborate plan that had been set in motion. The video shows a light-colored midsize SUV stopping in the middle of an intersection. The driver then exits the vehicle and walks out of frame to safety. Within seconds, a dark-colored midsize SUV crashes into the stopped vehicle at a high speed. The driver of the second vehicle calmly exits and walks in the same direction as the driver of the first vehicle. Both drivers then flee the scene, leaving behind a scene of apparent chaos.

However, witnesses at the scene quickly became suspicious of the woman who claimed to be the victim of a hit-and-run. They reported to the Ontario Police Department that she had actually arrived after the crash had taken place. This prompted an investigation by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force, which is made up of officers from various local law enforcement agencies.

During their investigation, the task force discovered the home security footage, which proved decisive in determining that the crash had been staged. With this evidence in hand, they were able to identify the five individuals involved in the scheme. These individuals were hoping to make an insurance claim that could have potentially paid out over $30,000.

Instead of receiving a hefty cash payout, the five individuals—Priscilla Carmona Arajo, Juan Barajas, Gabriella Cervantes, Roberto Carlos Macias, and Humberto Ortiz—were apprehended and now face charges related to their fraudulent activities. Barajas was already in custody in an Orange County jail at the time of his arrest, unrelated to the insurance fraud scheme.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is now prosecuting the case, ensuring that justice is served. It is fortunate that no innocent drivers were victimized in this particular scheme, but staged collisions do occur. To protect yourself from similar crimes, the California Department of Insurance advises drivers to document as much information as possible, including taking photos and videos, insisting on filing a police report, and having an officer identify everyone involved.

If you suspect that you may have been the victim of a staged accident, you can contact the Department of Insurance online or by calling 800-927-4357. By remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, we can all help prevent insurance fraud and keep our roads safer for everyone..

1. SoCal residents accused of staging hit-and-run for insurance claim
2. Staging hit-and-run scheme by 5 SoCal residents for $30K insurance payout.