Three men were arrested Thursday in connection with an insurance fraud scheme that intentionally damaged dozens of cars at auto repair shops in and around Salinas, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. David Ramirez, 48, Perry Hall, 56, and Martin Lopez, 47, were arrested without incident for their roles in “scratch out” schemes, Deputy Arras Wilson said. The men are suspected of conspiracy to commit a crime, insurance fraud and other alleged crimes, Wilson said.
Family members, friends and other associates participating in the scheme would bring their undamaged cars to the shops, where they would be instructed on how to damage the vehicles based on the value, Wilson said.