Unfortunately, towing scams are relatively widespread, and you might feel frustrated angry, and lose your money in the process. Some of these frauds are con men within the towing industry who prey on stranded motorists. It is crucial to understand these kinds of scams and not fall prey to them. In this guide, we will take our time describing some of the towing scams and how to avoid common towing scams in the United States.
How to Avoid Common Towing Scams
Types of Towing Scams
You need to know some of the towing scams that you should avoid. The following are some of them.
Fake accidents: This variety involves a tow truck driver seeking to convey a message of intent to tow another car to come closer and then cause an accident that will require towing.
Bait-and-switch: In this type of scammer, the tow truck driver will give a token at a low price over the phone, and then after coming, they will provide other high prices.
Unauthorized towing: Some unscrupulous tow operators roam around private parking lots and remove cars without legal grounds.
Impersonation: Other scammers may imitate the official logos and wear the outfits of a genuine towing company to make the driver think the person contracting with is authentic.
Forced towing: This fraud is similar to the previous one and implies that the tow truck drivers will tow away your car despite the fact that you have not asked them to, even if you are parked in a prohibited zone.
Tips for Avoiding Towing Scams
Research tow companies beforehand: One should also note the towing service companies nearby and the evaluations people have made regarding them. This will help you avoid detecting a scammer by thinking that you are dealing with the rightful owner of the number.
Know your rights: It would also help to learn more about towing laws and regulations within those areas to eliminate cases where one is overcharged.
Call your insurance company: If possible, talk to the insurance company to ask if they have a list of preferred towing services you should contact in the event of an accident. This can help avoid situations where you are on the receiving end of a fake investment offer.
Don’t sign anything you don’t understand: This is one form of fraud that some con men may employ to ensure that you sign some documents that contain hidden charges. It is always advisable to consult an attorney, as you should never affix your signatures to any form if you do not comprehend its content.
Request a written estimate: Before having your car towed, ask the towing company for an itemized written estimate for the roadside service charges. This will help you to avoid any other expenses that might deem you unfit for a particular car.
Be cautious of unsolicited help: A tow truck driver should not just show up and demand to tow your car forward, but he should approach you after you have signaled for one. This could just be an individual trying to trick you regarding whatever issue they are communicating to you about.
Stay calm and assertive: If something happens and you need to tow your vehicle, stay calm and be assertive. There is no reason you should be forced to conform or make a decision that is unfavorable to you.
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Conclusion
Towing scams are a natural and scary experience; however, knowing the tricks, one has minimal chances of falling victim to these fake tow truck operators. In any case, it is recommended to always read about two companies beforehand, learn your rights, and, most importantly, check the authenticity of the service in question before agreeing on anything. In this way, you will always be ready to approach towing with a more passive attitude and prepare you for any towing situation. Just make sure to remain vigilant and keep abreast of the trends, and you will be able to avoid falling prey to towing scams.