Three Southern Californians Sentenced for Ingenious Bear Costume Insurance Scam

In a peculiar case of insurance fraud, three individuals from Southern California have been handed sentences for orchestrating phony bear attacks on luxury vehicles.

The incident revolves around a claim filed by the accused, asserting that a bear had intruded into their 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost at Lake Arrowhead on January 28, 2024, leaving the interior marred with scratches. To substantiate their story, the suspects presented a video to their insurance provider, purportedly showcasing the “bear” within the vehicle, as reported by the California Department of Insurance.

However, an investigation named “Operation Bear Claw” unveiled the truth behind the footage. The supposed bear turned out to be a person clad in a bear costume, as determined by the insurance department. Investigators sought confirmation from experts at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who concurred that the creature was indeed a human masquerading as a bear.

Further probing revealed two additional fraudulent claims tied to the same fabricated event, submitted to separate insurance firms.

This past Thursday, the court sentenced Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, from Valley Village, along with Ruben Tamrazian, 26, and Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, both from Glendale, to six months in jail. They were also ordered to reimburse the defrauded amounts.

A fourth suspect, Ararat Chirkinian, 39, of Glendale, still has a pending case.

Officials say the total cost to the insurance companies was $141,839.