LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are warning Southern California drivers about a rise in fraudulent tow truck scams, where accident victims’ vehicles are effectively held for ransom. The California Department of Insurance, alongside law enforcement agencies, has launched an investigation that has led to criminal charges against 16 individuals accused of operating a large-scale auto insurance fraud ring.
The scheme involves tow trucks arriving at accident scenes—sometimes before victims have called for assistance—and offering to transport damaged vehicles to a repair shop. Once the vehicle is at the shop, owners are informed that they must pay a large fee, often not covered by insurance, before the car is released.
Fraud Ring Operations Uncovered
Officials say the suspects defrauded insurance companies of more than $216,000 through fraudulent claims, collusive crashes, and vehicle hostage scams. The fraud ring’s operations spanned multiple counties, with a network of individuals working together to manipulate accident victims.
The investigation, which began in November 2022, exposed the involvement of a California Highway Patrol (CHP) employee, Rosa Isela Santistevan, 56, of Irvine. Authorities allege that Santistevan unlawfully sold thousands of CHP traffic collision report face pages to Andre Angelo Reyes, 37, of Corona, the alleged ringleader. The reports were then used to contact accident victims under the guise of being their insurance representatives, directing them to fraudulent repair shops.
During search warrants, investigators seized over 3,500 CHP collision reports from the residence of Esmeralda Parga, 27, of Pomona, who officials say had ties to both Santistevan and Reyes. These reports were allegedly used to manipulate victims into turning over their vehicles under false pretenses.
Fraud Network Expands
The fraud ring allegedly engaged in other forms of auto insurance fraud, including orchestrating staged accidents. Authorities say the conspirators would deliberately cause collisions and file false insurance claims, inflating repair costs and pocketing fraudulent payouts.
Authorities also charged Reyes and Diana Pineda Villa, 34, of Corona, with tax evasion totaling $136,408, further implicating the depth of the operation. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is leading the prosecution, and investigators believe additional arrests and charges may follow as they continue to unravel the network.
Authorities Issue Public Warning
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urged the public to be vigilant, stating, “This type of scam preys on drivers at their most vulnerable moments—immediately after an accident—when they should be focused on their safety and next steps, not fighting to get their vehicle back.”
Officials are warning drivers to be cautious of suspicious behavior from tow truck operators, especially if they:
- Arrive at an accident scene before assistance is requested.
- Insist on taking the vehicle to a specific body shop without discussing options.
- Ask the driver to sign documents before speaking with their insurance company.
- Arrange a rideshare service for the driver instead of allowing them to make their own transportation arrangements.
How To Protect Yourself
Drivers are advised to verify tow truck operators through their insurance company before accepting services. If involved in an accident, officials recommend waiting for law enforcement or California Highway Patrol officers to confirm the legitimacy of any towing company.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a similar scam is encouraged to contact the California Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.
Individuals Charged In The Investigation
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against the following suspects:
- Andre Angelo Reyes, 37, of Corona
- Diana Pineda Villa, 34, of Corona
- Rosa Isela Santistevan, 56, of Irvine
- Esmeralda Parga, 27, of Pomona
- Anthony Gomez, 36, of Jurupa Valley
- Antonio Terrazas Perez Jr., 20, of Los Angeles
- Israel Avila Sandoval, 46, of Pomona
- Luis Alberto Ramirez Jr., 32, of San Bernardino
- Antonio Ramirez Perez, 45, of Los Angeles
- Brian Anthony Lopez, 25, of Anaheim
- Emily Marie Boatman, 27, of Ontario
- Ricardo Parga Jr., 24, of Pomona
- Steven Anthony Alfaro, 39, of Buena Park
- Henry Castellano, 68, of Whittier
- Elizabeth Gutierrez, 34, of Long Beach
- Steve Allen Higgs, 72, of Corona
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement working to dismantle the fraud ring and prevent future scams.
