Alleged Windshield Replacement Scam Taking Place in Cape Coral, Fla.
August 26, 2009
An NBC News affiliate in Cape Coral, Fla., recently ran a report
about an alleged windshield replacement scam taking place in local
neighborhoods (CLICK
HERE for story). In the alleged scam, associates claiming to
be with a company called Coast to Coast Insurance have been going
to door to door in a Cape Coral neighborhood advising residents
they needed their windshields replaced, advising the windshields
might not function properly in an accident.
The associates claimed to be insurance brokers and allegedly told
targeted customers that, if they paid cash for the windshield replacement,
their insurance companies would reimburse them later. NBC reports
that the associates were carrying binders with the logo of a local
insurance company, Coast to Coast Insurance.
Coast to Coast Insurance has denied any involvement in the case,
and officials at the company declined to speak on the record with
glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine, citing the ongoing investigation.
Jennifer Hirsch, a spokesperson for Floridas insurance fraud
division, advised glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine that
she could not confirm or deny whether any type of investigation
was open into the issue.
In addition to the Coast to Coast Insurance based in Cape Coral,
there also is an auto glass company called Coast to Coast Auto Glass
in Scottsdale, Ariz., with locations in Florida. Company manager
Rhonda Jacobson told glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine today
that though the company is aware of the alleged scam, she does not
believe it to be associated with her company, which employs independent
auto glass contractors throughout the country.
We have heard about it, but its no in relation to
our company, said Jacobson. Our company did not collect
any money at the door. We do go door-to-door, but we do not collect
money.
She added that though no one has been caught in the scam, as far
as she is aware, Coast to Coast Auto Glass officials do not
believe these are [their] associates.
Jacobson noted that its door-to-door policy is to canvas an area
and look for windshield damage.
[Our independent contractors will] touch base with customers
and then move on if theres no windshield damage, she
said.
Jacobson added that if windshield damage is found, no funds are
exchanged on site.
We do not collect payment of any kind at the door,
she said.
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