{"id":17093,"date":"2023-06-11T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-11T13:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/?p=17093"},"modified":"2023-06-28T20:12:54","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T20:12:54","slug":"bandit-tow-truck-scams-spurs-warning-from-police-departments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/blog\/car-insurance-3\/bandit-tow-truck-scams-spurs-warning-from-police-departments\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cBandit\u201d Tow Truck Scams Spurs Warning from Police Departments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your vehicle has just broken down and you\u2019re stranded by the side of the road. If you\u2019re one of the millions of Americans who belong to an automobile club like the <\/span>American Automobile Association<\/span><\/a> (AAA),\u00a0 or have <\/span>auto <\/span>insurance<\/span><\/a>, you can always call for assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But, whether you are or not, if a tow truck pops up out of the blue, don\u2019t automatically think it\u2019s your lucky day. The same goes following a <\/span>car accident<\/span><\/a> that has disabled your vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, it could be you\u2019re about to become the victim of what is known as a \u201cbandit\u201d tow truck scam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Bandit Tow Truck Scam?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A Bandit Tow Truck Scam refers to the deceptive practices carried out by unauthorized tow truck operators who prey on vulnerable and unsuspecting motorists. These unscrupulous individuals charge exorbitant prices for their services, often taking advantage of people in distress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may have no choice but to pay their fee under the threat of having your vehicle hauled away unless you fork over payment. This problem extends to private parking lots and other private property, where these operators take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is essential to be aware of the potential storage fees, paperwork requirements, and additional costs that may be imposed by these unscrupulous businesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, they may insist on towing your vehicle to a specific location and charge exorbitant fees for storage. Being well-informed about your rights and the proper procedures can save you from falling victim to such scams. It is always a good idea to document the situation, including taking pictures and obtaining a police report, to protect yourself and provide evidence if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising Threat: Bandit Tow Truck Scams in Los Angeles<\/b><\/h2>\n

The problem of bandit tow truck scams has become so prevalent that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) teamed up in 2014 with a joint directive to warn drivers about this serious issue in certain communities in and around Los Angeles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bandit Tow Trucks and Exorbitant Towing Charges<\/b><\/h2>\n

According to the NCIB and LAPD press release, \u201cTowing charges, which should amount to a few hundred dollars, often skyrocket to a few thousand dollars once the bandit tow truck operator hauls the vehicle away from the accident scene.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Identifying Other Red Flags<\/b><\/h3>\n

In addition, NICB Special Agent Doreen Sanchez says, \u201cThe drivers may say they will take the vehicle to a location of the owner\u2019s choice, but they then take it to an undisclosed body shop that is paying them a kickback.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under California law it is illegal for a tow truck operator to respond to an accident scene without being requested. (Section 22513 (b) California Vehicle Code). Both agencies advise motorists to never allow an unknown tow truck operator to tow your vehicle. \u201c<\/span>If you did not request it, reject it!\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

You should also be leery of a tow truck appearing out of nowhere after your vehicle becomes disabled. If you\u2019ve already called for help, send them away until the tow truck service you requested arrives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Bandit Tow Truck Scams Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n