Crime Sweep Puts Brakes on Auto Insurance Fraud

A statewide crime sweep snags dozens of San Diegans in its crosshairs.

The months-long operation was aimed at putting the brakes on auto insurance fraud.

“Operation Crash and Buy” was given that name because uninsured and underinsured drivers would get into accidents, then tried to get insurance after the wreck.

It's an insurance scheme officials say amounted to $1 million in fraud across 22 California counties, including San Diego.

Thirty-five people in the San Diego area were charged with 84 insurance-related felonies as a result of the investigation. They're accused of crimes that include filing a false police reports, attempted arson and lying about when an accident happened.

Deputy District Attorney John Philpott with the DA's Insurance Fraud Division says it has to do with the cost of fraud.

“When cost of fraud goes to the insurance company, all the insurance companies, because all of them are victims of fraud, are going to pass that on to the consumer,” Philpott said.

Punishment for these crimes runs the gamut, from community service to up to five years in prison and fines.
 

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