Inside LADA

LOS ANGELES — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman today announced a rapid response effort to prevent and prosecute insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors. The partnership focuses on raising awareness, prosecuting fraud, and equipping survivors with tools to navigate recovery safely.

“Scammers exploit vulnerable times, preying on survivors with false promises and fraudulent schemes,” said Commissioner Lara. “We’ve seen this in past wildfires. By partnering with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, we’re amplifying protections for wildfire victims and empowering consumers to protect themselves. My Department is committed to guiding you with resources to make informed decisions and avoid scams.”

“Our Office’s fraud-fighting prosecutors have a message for scammers: You will not get away with impersonating insurance companies in order to steal from wildfire victims in Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “Our Office is on high alert for insurance scams and we will relentlessly pursue and seek the maximum punishment for the criminals who seek to exploit the victims of the LA County fires. I would like to thank Commissioner Ricardo Lara for his partnership in standing up for LA County fire victims during this ongoing disaster and as we prepare for recovery. Insurance fraud will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Read the news release.Read more...

 
District Attorney Nathan Hochman joined Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City officials at a news conference Friday to provide an update on the ongoing fires and partnerships with law enforcement in Los Angeles County. DA Hochman discussed the ongoing criminal activity by those who are preying on vulnerable victims of the fires. He sent a clear message that those who engage in arson, violate law enforcement curfews, loot and steal property from evacuation zones, fly illegal drones, and scam our residents will be prosecuted and maximally punished.Read more...

In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles County, our hearts are with the families and communities who have suffered from this tragedy. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and our landscapes forever changed. As we confront this crisis, we stand together in solidarity with those impacted by this disaster, and we express our deepest condolences to all affected.

While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much. Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others—whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity—will not go unpunished. We will identify, arrest, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, and you will face the maximum penalties for your actions.

In these trying times, we urge all Angelenos to continue caring for each other. Follow all evacuation orders, stay informed, and reach out to emergency services if you need help. Those who are able to lend a hand to neighbors and strangers alike are showing the true spirit of our community.

This is a time for compassion, resilience, and unity. The work of rebuilding will take time, but together, we will emerge stronger. If you see something that threatens your safety or the safety of others, please report it immediately to law enforcement.

To those who are enduring hardship, please know that you are not alone. Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and everything you are doing.

Watch DA Hochman discuss the LA County fires and lootingRead more...