Richard Daniel Thompson convicted of making false auto insurance claim
TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2015 /CNW/ - Richard Daniel Thompson, a registered massage therapist with Pro Active Health Care in Orillia, has been convicted under the Insurance Act of knowingly making a false or misleading statement or representation to TD General Insurance in order to obtain payment for services provided to auto insurance claimants.
The Ontario Court of Justice found Mr. Thompson guilty on one count and imposed a fine of $1,000 plus a Victim Fine Surcharge.
The court also ordered that Mr. Thompson provide restitution to TD General Insurance for the amounts that were proven to have been falsely billed and paid, in the amount of $3,591.84.
FSCO encourages anyone with information about auto insurance fraud to call its anonymous tips line (1-855-5TIP-NOW). The public can also submit anonymous tips to FSCO online through its website.
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, mortgage brokerages and administrators, and service providers who invoice auto insurers for statutory accident benefits claims.
FSCO investigates allegations of misconduct, unfair practices and non-compliance with legislation or regulations in its regulated sectors. When warranted, FSCO takes enforcement action.
Quotes
- "Auto insurance fraud will not be tolerated. FSCO is committed to prosecuting these abuses and protecting Ontario drivers and insurers by removing fraudulent operators from the system" – Brian Mills, CEO and Superintendent of FSCO
Quick Facts
- Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force was announced in the 2011 Budget. The Task Force was established in July 2011 and submitted its final report to the government in November 2012. The report contained 38 targeted recommendations on four key areas: fraud prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement and regulatory roles and responsibilities.
- Through amendments to the Insurance Act (Bill 65) in June 2013, the government established the legislative framework for FSCO to license health clinics that invoice auto insurers and regulate their business practices. The licensing and regulation of health clinics was a key Task Force recommendation.
- As of December 1, 2014, health care service providers that provide medical and rehab statutory accident benefits for persons injured in auto accidents, must be licensed with FSCO. They must be licensed in order to receive direct payments from insurance companies.
Learn More
- Suspect auto insurance fraud? Submit an anonymous tip to FSCO
- 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
- Visit FSCO's public registry of licensed service providers to find information on licensed and formerly licensed service providers
SOURCE Financial Services Commission of Ontario
For further information: Aisha Silim, 416-226-7795, [email protected]; Public inquiries: 1-800-668-0128
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