Western pa tow truck operator charged with fraud involving $300k in excessive fees

Western PA Tow Truck Operator Charged with Fraud Involving $300K in Excessive Fees

by
April 18, 2024

HARRISBURG, PA—Attorney General Michelle Henry and the Allegheny County Police have charged Vincent G. Fannick, owner of Vince’s Towing in Pittsburgh, with multiple offenses related to inflating towing costs. The charges, announced on Thursday, include numerous felonies and misdemeanors, such as 27 counts each of insurance fraud, theft by deception, and other related crimes.

The investigation revealed a pattern where Fannick allegedly manipulated tow invoices and added significant “accident services” fees without prior disclosure to vehicle owners or their insurers. These practices resulted in over $100,000 in charges across 27 victims.

Fannick’s alleged deceptive business tactics were highlighted when a consumer discovered an $11,390 charge from Vince’s Towing for an unrequested short-trip tow, which included a $4,250 “accident services” fee. Overall, affected consumers’ insurance companies were billed between $9,460 and $13,105 for single, short-trip tows.

The preliminary hearing for Fannick is scheduled for May 3, and his bail is set at $25,000. Attorney General Henry emphasized the commitment to prosecuting predatory business practices that exploit vulnerable consumers.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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