Attorney General Dave Sunday says a Pittsburgh towing service owner could wind up in jail pleading guilty to inflating tow fees and defrauding customers.
An Allegheny County judge has given 57-year-old Vincent Fannick, owner of Vince’s Towing a stark choice: pay nearly $380,000 in restitution within 30 days or serve time in jail.
Fannick, is also banned from the industry and will take part in a public service campaign warning consumer about predatory towing.
Authorities say his scheme targeted motorists at their most vulnerable moments and are urging everyone to check pricing before agreeing to tow services.
Click HERE to make sure the person towing your vehicle is legit.
Fannick will serve five years’ probation, including six months of house arrest, but avoiding jail hinges on him paying the full restitution on time.
“This defendant preyed on motorists in a pinch by hiding fees and inflating prices, leaving them and their insurance carriers with enormous bills to retrieve back their vehicles,” Attorney General Sunday said.
“I commend our Insurance Fraud Section and law enforcement partners for reaching a resolution that gives the defendant two options — pay back what he took or go to prison.”