How to Avoid Tow Truck Scams

Don’t let a tow scam catch you off guard. Learn about common tow truck scams and how to protect yourself and your vehicle.

Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson
  • 8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance

  • Certified public accountant

Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Tow truck scams happen when dishonest towing companies trick a distressed vehicle owner by charging them too much, performing services they didn’t ask for, or towing the vehicle without permission. Unfortunately, they’re more common than you might realize.

The next time you’re stranded on the side of the road or parked in a public area, understanding how these scams work can help you get a reputable tow and avoid unnecessary costs.

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Common tow truck scams

Towing scams take several forms, and scammers often prey on drivers who are stressed, vulnerable, or unfamiliar with towing procedures. Here are some of the most common tow truck scams so you can spot red flags and avoid becoming a victim.

Bait and switch

In a bait-and-switch scam, a tow service initially quotes a lower price over the phone or online, only to demand a much higher fee once they’ve towed your vehicle.[1] Scammers may also add hidden fees or refuse to release your vehicle until you’ve paid in full.

You may feel trapped because your car is already in the company’s possession and feel forced to pay inflated charges to get it back.

Bandit towing

Bandit towing is also known as a “patrol tow” or “predatory tow.” This type of scam involves a tow service that monitors busy areas like shopping centers or accident-prone intersections and then tows vehicles without proper authorization.[2]

The tow truck operator might falsely claim that you parked your vehicle illegally or that the property management called them. This leaves you scrambling to locate your vehicle and pay hefty fines to recover it.

Selling unwanted services

Some dishonest towing companies also pressure drivers into paying for services they don’t need.

For example, they might make your car’s problems seem worse than they really are or say it’s not safe to drive your vehicle unless you pay for expensive repairs right away. These scams can also include surprise storage fees or towing your car to an overpriced repair shop or body shop affiliated with the towing company.[3]

Showing up even when not requested

Scammers may arrive unsolicited at the scene of an accident or breakdown, claiming your insurance company, roadside assistance company, or law enforcement called them. In reality, they found you by monitoring emergency channels, or they simply happened to spot your situation.[4]

Once they hook your vehicle to the truck, they may take it to an unauthorized location and charge excessive fees for storage and release.

Fake towing companies

Another common scam involves criminals posing as legitimate towing companies. They use fake branding, uniforms, and websites to trick you into handing over your vehicle. Once they have it, they demand exorbitant fees to return it or steal the car outright.

Preventive measures to avoid tow truck scams

Becoming a victim of a tow truck scam is frustrating and costly. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk. Here are some tips to protect yourself.

  • Never park illegally. One of the easiest ways to prevent unauthorized towing is to always park legally. Many predatory towing companies patrol busy areas looking for vehicles that are even slightly out of compliance with parking regulations. They might tow your car without the property owner’s knowledge. So always pay attention to signs and avoid parking in spots where regulations are unclear.

  • Ask the right questions. If you need a tow, try to verify the legitimacy of the service provider by asking questions about the total cost (including mileage and fees), where they’ll take your car, and whether your insurance company or roadside assistance provider dispatched them. A reputable towing company should be able to answer your questions clearly and without hesitation.

  • Verify the tow truck company. Once a tow truck shows up on the scene of an accident or breakdown, call your roadside assistance company to confirm the tow company is the correct one.

  • Capture everything on camera. In today’s digital age, your smartphone can be a powerful tool for protecting yourself from scams. Take photos or videos of the tow truck’s license plate, the towing company name and phone number, the driver, any paperwork provided, and the condition of your vehicle before they move it. This visual proof can help in disputes if the company tries to overcharge you.

  • Know the towing and parking laws in your area. Understanding local towing regulations empowers you to challenge unauthorized towing and avoid unfair fees. Research state and local towing laws, like whether property owners must provide clear signage before towing, caps on fees towing companies can legally charge, and your rights to retrieve items from your towed vehicle.

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What to do if you fall victim to a towing scam

You may still fall victim to a tow truck scam despite your precautions. If you suspect a tow truck company charged you unfair fees, towed your car without authorization, or pressured you into unnecessary services, here’s how to respond.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/1daf58783c/contact-us-96x96-orange_023-customer-support.svg

    Contact your insurance company

    Your insurance company can be a valuable resource if you suspect a scam. They may have records of approved towing services and can verify whether the tow was legitimate. Sometimes, they can intervene on your behalf to challenge fraudulent charges or direct you to the proper legal channels.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/8768ca2572/police-96x96-blue_030-911-call.svg

    Report the incident to local authorities

    File a report with your local law enforcement or state attorney general’s office. Many cities have towing regulations in place to prevent predatory practices, and reporting the scam helps authorities track recurring offenders.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/ee0f1a4393/law-and-justice-96x96-yellow_027-dossier.svg

    Gather and submit all relevant information

    Be prepared to provide details to the police or your attorney. You’ll likely need to give the date and time of the tow, the tow truck’s license plate number, photos or videos you took during the event, witness statements (if available), and descriptions of any interactions you had with the driver.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/65385b4b54/banking-96x96-green_032-credit-card.svg

    Dispute the charges

    You can dispute the charges if you paid for the tow and other services with your debit or credit card. Contact your bank or credit card company to contest the payment.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/49d45eba98/law-and-justice-96x96-orange_038-law.svg

    Speak to an attorney

    If other attempts to resolve the situation fail, discuss the problem with an attorney familiar with consumer protection laws. They can help you understand your rights and explore options for recovering your losses.

Tow truck scams FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that can help you recognize potential scams and understand your rights when dealing with towing companies.

  • What is bandit towing?

    Bandit towing occurs when tow truck operators tow vehicles without proper authorization. They might exploit unclear signage in a parking lot and leave the vehicle owner facing unexpected and excessive fees. Always verify signage and report suspicious tows to the local police.

  • What are the consequences for a towing company that violates the law?

    Towing protections vary by state and municipality, but companies that engage in tow truck scams can face fines, loss of operating licenses, and potential legal action from regulators. In some cases, you might be entitled to compensation if a towing company violates state or local towing laws.

  • What is the maximum distance a tow truck can tow my car?

    Some states and municipalities cap the distance a tow truck company can tow a vehicle during a “non-consent tow,” or a tow service the owner or their roadside assistance company hasn’t agreed to. These laws are designed to prevent excessive charges. For example, in Fort Worth, Texas, tow truck drivers must take the vehicle within one mile of the incorporated city limits of Fort Worth and no more than 20 miles from the removal site.

  • What is required for a tow truck driver’s license?

    Requirements for a tow truck driver’s license vary by state but typically include having a commercial driver’s license (CDL), passing a background check, and completing specific training on vehicle towing and safety regulations.

Sources

  1. NBC Chicago. "Crash and Burned: Chicago's Predatory Tow Reputation Among The Nation's Truck Drivers."
  2. U.S. Prig Educational Fund. "Getting off the hook of a predatory tow."
  3. U.S. Department of Transportation. "Unfair or Deceptive Fees."
  4. NBC Los Angeles. "Illegal towing companies waiting for you to get into an accident on Southern California roadways."
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.

Janet has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

Featured in

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