When you play with glass, you may get cut. When you commit fraud, you get caught. That's what Michael Swedo has learned.
The Payson, Ariz. man has been convicted of submitting fraudulent claims to insurance companies and stealing an identity to set up a false business. According to the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADI), Swedo utilized old work orders from 15 auto glass shops to report fraudulent claims.
The work orders included customer names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance policy information. Swedo used this information to file fraudulent claims with 16 insurance companies from November 2010 to April 2011. He set up a fake glass repair shop, Cipolla Auto Glass, and even posed as both the insured and as an employee of the bogus company.
ADI has not revealed how Swedo obtained the work orders. A press release from the department says he allegedly acted “with the help of other suspects.” As of now, no other suspects have been named.
Swedo has been sentenced to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and $83,356 in restitution to 16 insurance companies.
Source: www.glassbytes.com and www.zalma.com
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