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How to Avoid Towing Fraud

Chris Medine • Feb 14, 2014

There were a great many traffic reports to come out of Atlanta following Winter Storm Leon. Travelers were stranded for hours on end, children spent the night on school buses, and drivers abandoned their vehicles on the side of the road, choosing to take their chances on foot instead. Now, there is yet another story to arise from the chaos that was Atlanta those few days. A 34-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly using a tow truck to steal abandoned vehicles after the storm


Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Stranded motorists are often the victims of towing fraud or astronomically high towing fees. The people who operate these scams prey on those in need and may show up just in your moment of distress. Rather than rely on the help of these seemingly Good Samaritans, there is some research you should do and questions you should ask before agreeing to hand over your vehicle.


  • Understand what your insurance policy will cover. You may have roadside assistance which will allow you to call in and have a reliable towing service dispatched to you.
  • Don’t use an unsolicited tow truck. If it seems too good to be true that a truck showed up right when you needed them, be wary. Even though the driver and company may be reputable, err on the side of caution and call for your own tow service.
  • Before you allow your vehicle to be towed, secure a printed invoice or price list showing towing fees, storage charges, and any miscellaneous expenses. It is also important to ensure that you know exactly where your vehicle is being taken.
  • Don’t give too much personal information, including insurance policy details. Keep in mind that if these drivers are involved in a scam, this information can be used to their advantage.


If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in an accident, you may feel relieved to see an unexpected tow truck coming to your rescue. Unfortunately, these drivers may not always have good intentions and some will take advantage of your predicament. To avoid becoming the victim of towing fraud, be cautious and ensure that you know exactly who you are dealing with.


Furthermore, if your vehicle is in need of collision repair, ask them to bring it to Medines. Our team will not only provide you with the highest quality of repairs, but they can also answer any questions and help you through what can often be a confusing and frustrating process. 

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