Leila Madelenat
Staff Writer
Residents of Redondo Beach are being warned to be on guard after a surge of scam activity that includes callers impersonating police officers and unscrupulous tow-truck operators preying on crash victims.
The Redondo Beach Police Department says that in recent weeks, multiple residents have reported receiving phone calls from people impersonating police officers, claiming the victims have an active warrant of missing Jury Duty. The callers often demanded immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to “avoid arrest.”
Authorities say this type of “police impersonation scam” is spreading across the south Bay, with similar reports surfacing in Hermosa and manhattan beach as well. Scammers take advantage of people’s natural respect for law enforcement to extort quick payments
Residents of Redondo Beach are being cautioned by law enforcement after an increase in scam calls aimed at accidents-victimes and vulnerable individuals.
According to the Redondo Police Department, different scammers are posing as tow-truck operators and emergency service veneers, coercing victims into paying large sums.
RBPD and city authorities are describing this as a part of a “tow-truck bandit” scam, perpetrators monitor police or dispatch scammers for accident reports, dispatch a truck themselves, and then impose exorbitant fees, all before victims realize they have been taken advantage of.
Victims of traffic collisions have been approached by unauthorized tow-trucks operators who claim to work with their insurance company, then charge thousands of dollars in hidden fees.
One victim, identified only as Niko, told Fox 11 Los Angeles that his car was taken after a minor crash and never delivered to the promised repair shop.
“It’s a total scam,” Niko said. They listen for police scanners, they know where accidents happen, and a truck just mysteriously shows up to pick up the vehicle. They take these cars specifically without consent from the owners… the longer they hold them, the more beneficial it is to them, because they can charge exorbitant daily rates.”
By the time Niko tracked down his car, he was facing a $5,519 bil one that his insurance company refused to pay.
“He said the tow truck driver, identified as Andre Corrales, agreed to take his car to a specific auto body shop, but the car never arrived at that location”
The assurance that his vehicle would be taken directly to a trusted auto body shop initially gave Niko confidence that the situation was under control. Without any further updates or explanations, Niko and his family were left waiting and uncertain, not knowing if the car was safe, where it had been taken, or how much additional fees they might face
“He went to the media silently. And it must have been six or seven hours and finally we got a cryptic text message from him saying they were closed, so I had to take your car to a different location and that was all we heard from him,” Niko said to FOX 11
Hours of silence added to the frustrations, with only a vague text indicating that the car had been moved to another location .The lack of transparency and communication is a common tactic in this particular scam, experts say, designed to conserve victims and increase their vulnerability. By the time NIko received this cryptic message the charges were augmented and now he is left facing the reality of mounting charges and a complicated recovery process.
The Redondo Beach City Attorney’s Office says both scams highlight how criminals are exploiting fear and confusion. Police are encouraging residents to pause and verify their actions. Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and contact the Redondo Beach police department. If approached by a tow truck after accidents, drivers should confirm the operator’ s credentials and call their insurance company before allowing their car to be moved.
The RBPD is also working with nearby departments in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach to share reports and investigate linked incidents. Officers say increased public awareness is the best defense
Officials urge residents to report scams in the Federal Trade Commissions. Community alerts and neighborhood meetings are planned throughout November as Redondo Beach
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