Attorney General Michelle Henry and the Allegheny County Police Department have charged Vincent G. Fannick, owner of a Pittsburgh towing company, with multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to inflating tow costs through deceptive practices. The charges include 27 counts each of insurance fraud, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, and securing execution of documents by deception.
Fannick allegedly inflated tow costs by not initially revealing prices on invoices and later adding "accident services" fees. This scheme reportedly cost 27 victims more than $100,000 in such fees alone, with total charges nearing $300,000. He was arraigned with bail set at $25,000 and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 3.
"This defendant allegedly preyed on consumers already in stressful situations," Attorney General Henry stated. "Predatory, deceptive business practices will not be tolerated in the Commonwealth."
The Office of Attorney General and Allegheny County Police filed over 100 charges against Fannick this week. Superintendent Christopher Kearns emphasized their commitment to protecting community members: "These actions targeted unsuspecting members of our community during their most vulnerable moments."
The investigation began in 2023 when a consumer reported an $11,390 charge from Vince’s Towing for a short-trip tow they did not request; $4,250 of that amount was an "accident services" fee. Further investigation revealed similar charges affecting other consumers between February 2023 and February 2024.
Efforts are being made by Pennsylvania officials to educate consumers about predatory towing companies through campaigns like the one hosted at www.knowyourtow.org.
Insurance Fraud Deputy Attorney General Grant Miller will prosecute the case. It is important to note that all charges are accusations; Fannick is presumed innocent until proven guilty.