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So, what does USAA stand for? How about Understanding Scam Artist’s Attempt? Or Uncovers Scheming At Autoshop?
In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, a three-year investigative effort by USAA resulted in the halting of a fraud scheme being perpetrated at a Pittsburgh area auto repair facility. And Gary Villani, owner of Unique Autos, Inc., is not smiling after pleading guilty to ten counts of theft by deception and insurance fraud.
The investigation into possible wrong-doing by Unique Autos began in 1995 when investigators suspected the repair shop was overcharging for new replacement parts that were not replaced and was charging for repairs and replacement of parts that were not damaged.
USAA’s investigation of ten cars showed deviations between the actual repairs and the damage appraisal conducted by Unique Autos. The repair estimates were electronically transmitted to USAA’s claims documentation system and claim checks were subsequently issued by USAA to Unique Autos. In all ten cases, USAA’s policyholders were not notified of the deviation nor did they authorize Unique Autos to deviate from the repair agreement.
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