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Whittier ex-insurance agent arrested for grand theft and identity theft

News: 2019 Press Release

For Release: September 27, 2019
Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566
Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov

Whittier ex-insurance agent arrested for grand theft and identity theft

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ex-insurance agent Yolanda De La Torre, 35, of Whittier, was arrested today on one felony count of grand theft and one felony count of identity theft after allegedly collecting over $13,000 in insurance payments from approximately 10 clients and leaving her clients uninsured.

De La Torre, as a licensed insurance agent doing business as Yoly's Insurance Services, collected payments from clients for car insurance but failed to place it with an insurance company or pay premiums leading to cancellations. The department revoked De La Torre's license and licensing rights on June 11, 2019, in order to protect consumers.

The department’s investigation found that De La Torre accepted “cash only” payments and would pay the victims’ initial insurance payment, allow the premiums to be cancelled for non-payment yet continue to accept monthly payments from the victims. De La Torre also made unauthorized electronic payments with an unsuspecting victim’s checking account to pay for another client’s insurance coverage.

Some of De La Torre's victims became aware of the crimes when they were in car accidents and upon filing a claim with the insurance company found they had no coverage or their coverage had been cancelled for non-payment. Other victims became aware when they received notices from the DMV indicating registration was suspended due to no proof of insurance.
This case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

When searching for an agent, consumers can visit the Department’s website to check license status.

 

Media note:

De La Torre arrest photo



Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.

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