Bear Costume Fails to Disguise Insurance Scam: Investigators
This photo provided by the California Department of Insurance shows a bear costume allegedly worn by suspects with the aim to commit insurance fraud. (California Department of Insurance via AP, File)
Three people in California have been sentenced after authorities uncovered an unusual insurance fraud scheme involving a person wearing a bear costume.
According to the California Department of Insurance, the group staged fake bear attacks inside luxury vehicles in 2024 and then submitted fraudulent claims to insurance companies seeking nearly $142,000 in payouts. Investigators said the incidents involved a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes vehicles.
Detectives working the case, along with a Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist, quickly became suspicious after reviewing video footage provided as evidence of the alleged attacks. The videos, reportedly filmed in the San Bernardino Mountains, appeared to show a bear moving inside the vehicles and damaging the interiors. Photos submitted with the claims showed what looked like scratches on the seats and doors.
However, the wildlife expert determined the animal in the footage was not a real bear. During a search of the suspects’ home, detectives discovered a bear costume that authorities say was used in the staged incidents.
Captain Eric Hood, who led the investigation, told the Los Angeles Times the case was unlike anything he had seen in his 20 years working with the Insurance Department, calling it “definitely unique.”
Two men and a woman from the Los Angeles area pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud. They were sentenced to a weekend jail program followed by probation, according to a news release from the department. Two of the defendants were also ordered to pay more than $50,000 in restitution.
A fourth person connected to the case is scheduled to appear in court in September.
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