Being stranded on the side of the road is one of the most stressful situations a driver can face. Your priority is getting to safety quickly, a vulnerability that some predatory towing operators unfortunately exploit. In these moments, a bad situation can be made significantly worse by falling victim to a towing scam, leaving you with an exorbitant bill, a damaged vehicle, or worse.
Knowing the red flags of a towing scam is your best defense. As a company dedicated to safe and ethical roadside assistance, we believe in empowering drivers with knowledge. Here are five of the most common scams we see on the road and a breakdown of how our professional practices are designed to protect you from them.
1. The “Bandit” Chaser
You’re in an accident or pulled over with a mechanical issue. Before you can even call for help, a tow truck appears out of nowhere, lights flashing. The driver is often aggressive, pressuring you to let them tow your vehicle immediately, sometimes falsely claiming they were dispatched by law enforcement.
These “bandit” operators often have no proper licensing or insurance. Once they have your car hooked up, they are in control, and you have little recourse when they present you with an outrageous bill at a private, unlisted storage yard.
Our drivers are dispatched only when you or your motor club calls us directly. Our trucks are clearly and professionally branded, and our operators wear uniforms. We will never show up unannounced and pressure you into a tow. When you call us, you know exactly who is coming to help, eliminating all guesswork and risk.
2. The Vague Quote and Inflated Bill
You call a company and receive a suspiciously low quote over the phone. However, once your vehicle is towed, the final bill is loaded with unexpected and exorbitant fees: a “hook-up fee,” an “administrative fee,” excessive per-mile charges, or a “special equipment fee” for a standard tow.
This classic bait-and-switch tactic preys on your lack of industry knowledge. By the time you see the final bill, your car is already in their possession, and you are left in a weak negotiating position.
Transparency is a cornerstone of our service. When you call us, we provide a clear and upfront quote based on the information you give us. We explain our rates so you know what to expect before we even dispatch a truck. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
3. The Mystery Storage Yard
A tow operator takes your vehicle but is vague about where it’s going. They may take it to an unlicensed, unsecure lot far from your home or preferred mechanic. When you try to retrieve your vehicle, you’re hit with exorbitant daily storage fees and find that the lot is only open for a few hours a day, making retrieval a nightmare.
This scam is designed to maximize storage fees. Your vehicle may also be at risk of damage or theft in an unsecure lot.
You’re always in control of your vehicle’s destination. We’ll tow your car to your home, your trusted mechanic, or any other location you choose. If storage is needed, your vehicle will be taken to our secure, professionally managed facility, with clear terms for retrieval.
4. The Cash-Only Demand
After the service is complete, the driver insists on being paid in cash only. They may not have a card reader or claim it’s “broken.” This is a major red flag that often indicates an unregistered business trying to avoid a paper trail.
A cash-only transaction leaves you with little proof of payment and no ability to dispute a charge if something goes wrong. It also puts you in a difficult position if you don’t have a large amount of cash on hand.
We operate as a professional business. We accept multiple forms of payment, including all major credit cards. We provide a detailed, itemized invoice for every service, giving you a clear record of the transaction for your insurance company or personal records.
5. The Unnecessary Tow
Your car won’t start, or you have a flat tire. The tow operator immediately insists the only solution is to tow your vehicle to a repair shop, often one they have a “special relationship” with. They don’t attempt to diagnose or solve the simpler, underlying issue.
This turns a simple, inexpensive roadside fix into a costly and time-consuming tow and repair job. The goal is to maximize the bill, not to provide the right solution for you.
We’re a comprehensive roadside assistance provider, not just a towing company. Our goal is to get you back on the road in the quickest and most cost-effective way possible. Our trained operators can handle jump starts, tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery. A tow is our solution when it is genuinely necessary, not our default answer for every call.
FAQs
What should I do if a tow truck shows up that I didn’t call?
Politely but firmly decline their service. Do not give them your keys or sign any paperwork. Wait for the company that you contacted and verified. If they are overly aggressive, stay in your locked vehicle and call 911.
How can I verify a towing company is legitimate?
A legitimate company will have clear branding on their trucks, and the driver should be able to provide you with a business card and identification. You can also check for online reviews and a professional website before you call.
What information should I get from the tow truck driver?
Before your car is towed, get the driver’s name, the truck number, and the company’s full name, address, and phone number. Confirm the exact address where your vehicle will be taken.
Is it normal to sign a form before my car is towed?
Yes, a professional company will require you to sign an authorization form before they can legally tow your vehicle. However, read it carefully. It should clearly outline the services to be performed and the destination. Never sign a blank form.
What should I do if I’m already a victim of a towing scam?
Document everything: original quotes, final bills, communications, photos, and any other evidence. File complaints with your state’s consumer protection office, attorney general, and local business bureau. Report unlicensed operators to local authorities. Consider small claims court for recovering overcharges. Leave detailed reviews warning others. While this doesn’t immediately solve your situation, it creates records that help authorities identify and address predatory operators.
Choosing Roadside Assistance You Can Trust
Towing scams thrive because they target people in vulnerable situations who need immediate help and don’t have time to carefully vet providers. The best protection is preparation: knowing who to call before you need them.
Legitimate towing companies operate transparently with clear pricing, proper licensing and insurance, professional conduct, and accountability. They view stranded motorists as customers to serve properly, not targets to exploit.
Do your research now, before you’re stranded. Save contact information for trustworthy local towing services. Understand what legitimate pricing and service looks like. These preparations protect you from becoming another towing scam victim when you need roadside assistance.