Four people in Southern California were arrested and accused of insurance fraud after they claimed their cars were damaged by a bear, which was actually a person wearing a bear costume. The group submitted claims for damage to a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost, a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG, and a 2022 Mercedes E350, all with video evidence of a bear entering the cars. However, upon investigation, it was determined that the bear was actually a person in a bear suit. The suspects, Ruben Tamrazian, Ararat Chirkinian, Vahe Muradkhanyan, and Alfiya Zuckerman, were arrested on charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy.
The bear costume, complete with brown fur, a bear-shaped head, paws, and metal tools to simulate claw marks, was found in the suspects’ home. The scam cost insurance companies $141,839. The videos of the alleged damage showed minor groove marks on the seats and interior, intended to pass for claw marks. A biologist confirmed that the bear was actually a person in a bear suit.
While there are bears in the San Bernardino Mountains, they do not wear costumes. The only wild bears in the area are black bears, and grizzlies, which used to inhabit the state, were hunted to extinction by the 1920s. Charges have been submitted against the four individuals, and the cases are under review for a decision on charges. It is unclear if they have attorneys representing them.
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