Suspects caught in 'bear' scam face fraud charges near LA
American authorities have detained four individuals suspected of staging a bear attack on their vehicles to claim insurance money fraudulently. Investigators determined through "Operation Bear Claw" that the damages were caused by a person dressed as a bear, not a real animal.
The incident occurred in the mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, near Los Angeles. Three men and one woman filed similar insurance claims in January 2024 after the alleged bear broke into their cars and damaged the interiors, including a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes.
Questionable footage
Insurers received from the accused a video showing an animal crawling towards the cars and entering them. Additionally, photos were presented showing consistent scratches on the seats and interior sides of the doors, claimed to be caused by the bear's claws.
Upon thoroughly examining the evidence, investigators confirmed that the video did not show a real animal but a person in a bear costume. A biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also confirmed this. Law enforcement also revealed a photo of the costume used during the staged attack.
As calculated, the accused — three men and one woman — intended to fraudulently claim nearly €135,000 from insurance companies.
