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