Frequent Towing Scams
Towing scams come in various forms, often targeting drivers who may be stressed, uncertain about towing practices, or in vulnerable situations. Below are some prevalent towing scams, emphasizing key indicators to help you avoid falling prey to them.
Bait and Switch
A bait-and-switch scam occurs when a towing service provides a low price initially—either over the phone or online—only to later demand a significantly higher amount after towing your vehicle. Scammers may also include unexpected fees or may refuse to return your vehicle until you’ve paid the full amount, leaving you feeling stuck and compelled to pay inflated fees to retrieve your car.
Bandit Towing
Also referred to as “patrol towing” or “predatory towing,” bandit towing involves a tow service monitoring high-traffic locations, such as shopping centers or accident-heavy intersections, and towing cars without valid authorization. The operator may inaccurately insist that you parked illegally or that they were called by property management, making you rush to locate your vehicle and face steep fines to reclaim it.
Selling Unnecessary Services
Certain unscrupulous towing companies pressure drivers into paying for services that aren’t necessary. For instance, they could exaggerate issues with your vehicle or claim that it’s unsafe to drive unless you immediately pay for costly repairs. These scams may also involve unexpected storage fees or towing your car to pricey repair or body shops connected to the towing business.
Arriving Without Request
Con artists sometimes show up uninvited at the scene of an accident or breakdown, asserting that they were dispatched by your insurance, a roadside assistance service, or law enforcement. In truth, they may have monitored emergency channels or fortuitously encountered your predicament. Once they hook your vehicle, they might take it to an unauthorized location and impose excessive storage and release fees.
Imposter Towing Companies
Another prevalent scam involves criminals pretending to be legitimate towing services. They employ counterfeit branding, uniforms, and websites to deceive you into relinquishing your vehicle. After obtaining your car, they may demand outrageous fees for its return or steal it altogether.
