WHAT:
News conference and demonstration of staged auto accidents for insurance fraud, presented by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Allstate Insurance Company and the National Insurance Crime Bureau

WHEN:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
3:00-3:15 p.m. News Conference
3:15 p.m. Demonstration

WHERE:
Edward M. Davis Training Facility
(Break Room Balcony)
12001 Blucher Avenue
Granada Hills, Ca 91340

WHO:
Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, Detective Bureau, Commanding Officer, LAPD
Captain Bill Williams, Commercial Crimes Division, Commanding Officer, LAPD
Frank Scafidi, National Insurance Crime Bureau, Director of Communications
Peter DeMarco, Allstate Insurance Company, Corporate Relations Manager
Detective Lorenzo Barbosa, Commercial Crimes Division, LAPD (Spanish Speaker)

WHY:
According to the California Insurance Commission, California auto insurance policy holders now pay an additional $500 annually to compensate for fraudulent losses. Due to the increase of insurance fraud, Allstate Insurance Company, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the LAPD will join together to raise public awareness of this type of crime and how to avoid becoming a victim. According to Peter DeMarco, Corporate Relations Manager with Allstate Insurance Company, "Staged auto accidents are not victimless crimes. They endanger lives and drive up insurance costs for everyone."

VISUALS:
LAPD officers will demonstration three specific vehicle insurance fraud schemes: the Swoop and Squat, the Drive Down and the Wave-out.

For further information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.