Consumer Beware: Auto Body Shop Insurance Fraud
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Pantaleo of Marin County and Captain Eric Williams, California Department of Insurance Fraud Division from the Golden Gate Regional Office in Benicia, discuss the reality of fraudulent insurance claims, and their impact in the community. Auto body shops are licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Most auto body shops perform excellent services in our community. However, people need to be aware that, in certain instances, they have to be alert to potential scams if their car is involved in a collision. Efforts to inflate claims to collect more money, add on damage to a vehicle, or participate in false vandalism, among other things, all constitute fraudulent activity. Consumers need to confirm that an auto body shop is licensed, they need to view a written estimate and view the final bill to make sure it is close to the original estimate in order to protect themselves. Consumers need to report suspicious activity to the District Attorney's office or to the California Department of Insurance Fraud.
2 videos in series
