SAN JOSE -- The CA Department of Insurance - Fraud Division arrested a number of individuals today in connection with "Operation Cashout." Farmers Insurance cooperated with the California Department of Insurance, the Santa Clara District Attorney's office and NICB in its investigation. The Santa Clara County Grand Jury issued indictments for the arrest of individuals charged with working together to file bogus automobile insurance claims for the purpose of defrauding insurance companies. The individuals are alleged to have filed false insurance claims for intentional damage or for previously damaged cars. After they were paid cash settlements, they allegedly transferred the cars to other defendants who used the same damage on the car to file additional false claims. Numerous individuals were identified as active participants in the organized activity and some of them are believed to have transferred the cars to other defendants who used the same damage on the car to file additional false claims. Numerous individuals were identified as active participants in the organized activity and some of them are believed to have filed fraudulent insurance claims with Farmers Insurance.

"Farmers is committed to fighting fraud, no matter where it occurs and no matter what form it takes," says Doug Ashbridge, Director of Special Investigations for Farmers. "Farmers continues to cooperate with law enforcement on these and other matters around the country, working to deter anyone from attempting to defraud Farmers and its policy holders. We are committed to stamp out fraud. We will assist law enforcement on criminal matters and file our own civil actions to deter anyone who submits fraudulent insurance claims. It is our commitment to our policy holders to take fraud out of their premium dollars."

Farmers applauds the efforts of the Fraud Division and the Santa Clara County District Attorney for their ongoing efforts in the fight against insurance fraud.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies(R) comprise the nation's third-largest personal lines property & casualty insurance group - helping to restore the lives of over 15 million customers when the unexpected happens. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, these companies provide homeowners, auto, business, life insurance, recreational products and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For an agent near you, call 1-800-FARMERS or visit www.farmers.com.

________________________________

Copyright @ 2005, dBusinessNews.