Court records and official announcements from the California Department of Insurance

Four Arrested in 'Operation Bear Claw' for $141,839 Fraud Using Bear Costume to Damage Luxury Cars

Nov 14, 2024, 10:52 AM

Four Los Angeles County residents were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly staging fake bear attacks on luxury vehicles in Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino County, as part of an insurance fraud scheme totaling more than $141,839. The individuals filed three insurance claims, stating that bears had caused interior damage to high-end cars, including a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Mercedes G63 AMG, and Mercedes E350, by submitting video evidence. Investigators from the California Department of Insurance determined that the supposed bear was actually a person wearing a bear costume and using meat claws to scratch the interiors. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Bear Claw," revealed that the suspects had orchestrated the damages to defraud insurance companies.