Toronto Rehabilitation Clinics and Affiliated Individuals Charged with Over 80 Auto Insurance Offences

TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has laid 84 charges under Ontario's Insurance Act against two rehabilitation clinics and four individuals affiliated with these clinics. These clinics and individuals are alleged to have submitted false invoices to auto insurers.

The following clinics were each charged with 7 counts of knowingly making false or misleading statements to an auto insurer to obtain payment for goods and services provided to an insured and 7 counts of engaging in an unfair or deceptive act or practice:

• Fairview Assessment Centre (200 Finch Ave W., Suite 314, Toronto, Ontario, M2R 3W4)
• Pacific Assessment Centre (1120 Finch Ave. W., Suite 607, Toronto, Ontario,    M3J 3H7)

Charges were also laid against the following four individuals affiliated with these clinics:

• Danny Grossi
• Alexandre Lobatch
• Yaniv Tamsout
• Vitali Tourkov

FSCO investigates allegations of misconduct, unfair practices and non-compliance with legislation or regulations in its regulated sectors. When warranted, FSCO takes enforcement action.

FSCO is an agency of the Ministry of Finance established under the Financial Services Commission of Ontario Act, 1997. It regulates insurance, pension plans, loan and trust companies, credit unions and caisses populaires, co-operative corporations and mortgage brokerages and administrators in Ontario.

QUOTE

• When fraudsters falsify accident treatment bills, Ontario drivers take the hit through higher premiums. This, despite the fact that the vast majority of drivers go for years - even decades - without being in an accident or making a claim. FSCO will continue to crack down on those who cheat Ontario drivers by abusing the auto insurance system. - Philip Howell, CEO and Superintendent of FSCO

QUICK FACTS

• In its Final Report, Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force concluded that fraud in the auto insurance system is substantial and has a significant impact on premiums.
• The Task Force's Final Report contains 38 targeted recommendations on four key areas: fraud prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement and regulatory roles and responsibilities.
• Insurers have rights and responsibilities under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) to challenge questionable or abusive claims, including verifying invoices and expenses.

LEARN MORE

• Learn how consumers can play a key role in fighting auto insurance fraud
• Find out what health care practitioners can do to protect themselves from fraud and abuse in the auto insurance system
• Read about insurers' rights and responsibilities to challenge questionable or abusive claims
• Read about FSCO's enforcement activities
• Read the Final Report of Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force

SOURCE: Financial Services Commission of Ontario