Eaton Fire Victims Targeted by Bandit Tow Truck Scammers

Authorities Search for Scammers

Authorities are searching for the scammers who targeted Eaton fire victims by fraudulently towing their cars and demanding excessive fees to reclaim them.

The Scam

In the initial days of the Eaton fire, between January 7-10, fake tow companies claiming to be contracted by the city of Altadena would tow the vehicles of evacuated victims under false pretenses before forcing them to pay high fees to retrieve their cars.

David Gueringer’s Experience

David Gueringer, an Altadena resident, lost his garage and guest home to the Eaton fire that ignited on January 7.

“I went to sleep thinking we had really dodged the worst of the fire and been fortunate in that way,” Gueringer said.

While his home was evacuated, Gueringer received a call from a towing company claiming to be working with the city. They had offered to tow away vehicles left in the fire zone for safety reasons, including Gueringer’s Chevy Tahoe SUV and Prius sedan.

• David Gueringer, an Altadena resident, was targeted by tow truck scammers who towed his vehicles and demanded excessive fees to release them. (KTLA)
• A county task force is searching for the scammers who targeted Eaton fire victims by fraudulently towing their cars and holding them for ransom. (L.A. County)
• Authorities are searching for the scammers who targeted Eaton fire victims by fraudulently towing their cars and holding them for ransom. (KTLA)
• FILE – David Slater, right, clears the driveway from his home, spared from the Eaton Fire, January 12, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
• Debris from a destroyed home is seen as a newly built ADU (accessory dwelling unit) stands behind after surviving the Eaton Fire, Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
• A lone home stands among residences leveled by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
• FILE – A firefighter tries to extinguish flames at a burning apartment building during the Eaton Fire, January 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
• Authorities are searching for the scammers who targeted Eaton fire victims by fraudulently towing their cars and holding them for ransom. (L.A. County)

Warning Signs of the Scam

Some warning signs that victims may have experienced include:

• The tow company contacted you and said they were contracted by the City to tow your vehicle
• They asked you to send them a photo of your driver’s license
• They towed your vehicles and did not inform you of the storage location
• Once the vehicle is located, the tow company asks for a large amount of money to release the vehicle

What to Do if You’re a Victim

Anyone who suspects they are a victim should contact Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force’s Sgt. Regina Garay at 909-919-2242.

Conclusion

The scammers behind this scheme are believed to be based in the Inland Empire, and authorities are working to bring them to justice. If you or someone you know has been a victim of this scam, it is essential to report it to the authorities immediately.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if I suspect I was a victim of this scam?

A: Contact Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force’s Sgt. Regina Garay at 909-919-2242 to report the incident.

Q: What are the warning signs of this scam?

A: The warning signs include being contacted by a tow company claiming to be contracted by the city, being asked to send a photo of your driver’s license, being towed without being informed of the storage location, and being asked for a large amount of money to release the vehicle.

Q: What should I do if I was a victim of this scam and my vehicle was towed?

A: Contact Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force’s Sgt. Regina Garay at 909-919-2242 to report the incident and seek assistance in recovering your vehicle.