We have all been approached by persistent sales people representing auto glass companies at our local car washes:

I can repair those chips in your windshield within minutes,” they say.

“We just need your insurance policy information and you will be on your way.”

This is what the Con Artist can do:
Replacing expensive windshields, which only have a small crack or chip that, could easily be fixed. They might also charge insurers to replace several chips when only one chip was repaired.
Some con artists charge your policy for several windshield replacements without you knowing it!
The Con Artists might convince motorists to participate by offering freebies such as steaks, movie tickets or car washes. In addition, they might offer cash rebates or inflate the repair bill to cover the deductible.

Replace undamaged windshields. Typically, Con Artists will convince drivers to replace perfectly good windshields. The Con Artists then lie to your insurance company that the windshield was seriously damaged and needs repairing. Next they’ll charge your insurer needless and inflated repair costs.

High-volume business. Windshield swindlers make their profits from high-volume business. They can replace a windshield quickly and easily, and then charge large and costly mark-ups.

The dishonest glass companies, also referred to as “glass claims harvesters,” will rent parking lot space from auto repair facilities, car washes or gas stations to seek business through unnecessary auto glass replacements. Once the car owner agrees to the deal, the harvester will subcontract the replacement with another, less expensive glass company and turn a profit from your insurance claim. Some harvesters, once they obtain the vehicle owner’s policy information, will impersonate the insured and submit multiple glass claims. Others will repair windshields and then claim them as replacements, or claim more repairs than were actually done.

Crooked body shops. Most body shops are honest, but crooked operators may try to involve you in similar windshield scams when you bring your vehicle in for repairs.

You and your passengers face a serious safety risk. First, the replacement windshield could be cheap, substandard glass that easily cracks or shatters while you’re driving. Poor optics also may distort your view of the road and hazards. Second, the crook may install the windshield poorly. The windshield thus can pop out if you’re in a crash. Incoming debris then could strike occupants; drivers and passengers could be ejected; and the roof might collapse during a rollover because the windshield is a vital structural component of your vehicle. Third, real repairs can be shoddy. This could make small cracks or nicks quickly grow bigger.

Your auto premium can increase. You’ve just added a needless claim to your insurance record, which could raise your premiums. Fly-by-night operators also can disappear, leaving you without a warranty or contact person if you have a problem.

You could face jail and fines. Making a repair claim for a windshield you know is undamaged could get you convicted for insurance fraud. This can mean jail, fines and a permanent criminal record.