Los Angeles County officials are urging Altadena residents to move forward if they are targeted by fraudulent towing companies shortly after the Eton fire.
Residents reported that between January 7 and January 10, a truck with an operator claiming it was contracted by the city of Altadena proceeded to towing the vehicle without notifying the owner where the vehicle was being towed.
The company later requested an excessive fee to retrieve the vehicle, according to a statement from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Berger.
Police are warning the public about fraud, including bandit towing trucks that appear in traffic crashes, tricking victims who have crashed from thousands of dollars. Carolyn Johnson reports an NBC4 News report on February 19, 2025 at 6pm.
It was found that some vehicles were stored in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Locals who have been contacted by towing companies under these circumstances are advised to report all information to the Inland Empire’s Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force, including “being asked to send you a photo of your driver’s license or having trouble finding your vehicle.”
“I don’t think it’s disgusting that these fraudulent tow companies exploited fire survivors in times of distress,” Berger said. “The people behind this abominable scheme must be accountable and put to justice. I urge anyone who has been victimized to move forward so that they can stop these bad actors from preying on our community.”
In Altadena, a woman was charged for towing her burning car, which was moved to clarify emergency access during the Eton fire due to the California Highway Patrol.
Lisa Brownstein Gaffney, who believed she was a victim of a towing scam, immediately contacted police and told her that a California Highway patrol had towed the vehicle to allow utility workers to access the road.
CHP was allowed to do the job, according to LA County supervisor Kathryn Barger.
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