Mexico call center operator tagged in $550K workers’ comp fraud

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Four individuals, including a call center operator and two attorneys, face felony charges for allegedly running a large-scale workers’ compensation fraud scheme that exploited Spanish-speaking workers. 

The California Department of Insurance uncovered the operation, which involved illegally selling over 1,100 client referrals for more than $550,000 in unlawful fees.

Exploitation of vulnerable workers in fraud scheme

The scheme allegedly targeted Spanish-speaking workers through a Mexico-based call center that cold-contacted individuals, falsely promising payouts for filing workers’ comp claims. 

Many victims unknowingly completed official paperwork, which was then sold to Southern California attorneys for illegal referral fees.

From 2022 to 2023, defendant Arely Franco alone allegedly sold 320 clients to attorney Michael De La Garza and his partner for $168,750, while an additional 798 clients were sold to Antony Gluck for $388,500. 

The office of the San Bernardino County District Attorney is prosecuting the case, highlighting how vulnerable workers were manipulated for profit.

Legal crackdown on unlawful attorney referrals

The four defendants—two attorneys, a call center operator, and a business partner—face felony charges.

Bail was set at $500,000 for Gluck and De La Garza, while Franco was arraigned and was released on her recognizance after arraignment, and Juan Leal was arraigned on his charges after surrendering to court.

The California Department of Insurance launched its investigation after reports of suspicious call center activity, leading to one of the state’s larger workers’ comp fraud busts. 

The case underscores growing scrutiny of unethical legal practices, particularly those preying on immigrant communities.