Three charged in San Diego car insurance fraud

Three fraud suspects were arraigned in San Diego County this week, charged with felony auto insurance fraud and conspiracy.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) said the three suspects abandoned their 2004 Honda Accord in a scheme to collect insurance for a phony theft - a scam known as an auto give-up.

"Conspiring to illegally abandon or destroy a car will not result in a quick paycheck, but it will get you a first class ticket to jail," said insurance commissioner Steve Poizner. "I will continue to reiterate this to anyone who is considering committing insurance fraud - if you break the law, we will find you and we will prosecute you."

One of the suspects allegedly helped the other two to hide the vehicle. One suspect then reported the car stolen to the San Diego police and filed a vehicle theft claim with the auto insurance company, CDI said.

After fraud was suspected, the auto insurance fraud task force began an investigation, during which the suspects admitted to having filed a false claim with the insurance company.

This case is being prosecuted by the San Diego District Attorney's Office.

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