Tow Truck Hijacking Alert: Protecting Yourself from Predatory Towing Scams in Los Angeles

Los Angeles drivers are facing a dangerous new threat on our roads: predatory tow truck operators who prey on accident victims and stranded motorists. These criminals use sophisticated tactics to steal vehicles and extort money from vulnerable drivers. As your trusted collision repair partners in Woodland Hills, we want to help you stay safe and avoid becoming a victim.

What Is Tow Truck Hijacking?

Tow truck hijacking, also known as predatory towing or tow truck piracy, occurs when unauthorized tow truck operators intercept legitimate service calls or approach accident scenes uninvited. These criminals often:

• Monitor police scanners for accident reports

• Race legitimate tow companies to accident scenes

• Claim to be from the company you actually called

• Demand immediate cash payments

• Hold your vehicle hostage until you pay inflated fees

• Transport your car to unlicensed lots or chop shops

The Los Angeles Police Department reports a significant increase in these crimes, with victims losing thousands of dollars and sometimes their vehicles entirely.

How the Scam Works

Step 1: The Approach After an accident or breakdown, an unauthorized tow truck arrives quickly—sometimes before the legitimate company you called. The driver claims to be from your requested towing service or says they were "dispatched by police."

Step 2: The Hook Before you can verify their identity, they begin hooking up your vehicle. Once your car is on their truck, you lose leverage in the situation.

Step 3: The Demand The scammer demands immediate payment—often in cash only. They may claim your insurance doesn't cover their services or that you need to pay upfront for "storage fees."

Step 4: The Hostage Situation If you can't pay immediately, they transport your vehicle to an unlicensed lot where daily storage fees accumulate rapidly. Some victims report fees reaching thousands of dollars within days.

Red Flags to Watch For

Immediate Warning Signs:

• Arrives unusually quickly after your call

• Can't provide proper identification or credentials

• Demands cash payment only

• Refuses to show you their towing license

• Won't let you call your insurance company

• Pressures you to sign documents immediately

• Can't verify details about your service call

• Truck has no clear company identification

• Driver becomes aggressive when questioned

Documentation Red Flags:

• No official invoice or receipt

• Handwritten estimates on plain paper

• Refuses to provide business license number

• Won't give you a copy of signed documents

• Can't provide proper storage facility address

How to Protect Yourself

Before You Need a Tow:

• Research reputable towing companies in advance

• Save legitimate company phone numbers in your phone

• Know your insurance company's preferred towing partners

• Understand your roadside assistance coverage

During an Emergency:

• Stay with your vehicle when possible

• Call your insurance company first—they often have preferred towing partners

• Ask the tow truck driver for identification and business license

• Verify they're from the company you called by calling the company directly

• Take photos of the driver, truck, and license plates

• Don't sign anything until you've read it completely

• Ask for written estimates before any work begins

If You Suspect a Scam:

• Don't allow them to hook up your vehicle

• Call 911 if you feel threatened

• Contact the legitimate towing company you called

• Document everything with photos and notes

• Report the incident to LAPD and the California Highway Patrol

What to Do if You're Already a Victim

Immediate Steps:

1. Don't pay cash demands without proper documentation

2. Call your insurance company immediately

3. File a police report

4. Contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs

5. Document all interactions and demands for payment

Legal Protection: California law requires tow truck operators to:

• Have proper licensing and insurance

• Provide written estimates

• Allow you to inspect your vehicle

• Accept payment methods other than cash

• Store vehicles at authorized facilities

The Collision Buddy Difference: Safe, Reliable Towing

At Collision Buddy, we understand how vulnerable you feel after an accident. That's why we offer free, legitimate towing services to our facility for collision repairs. When you call us at 818-600-0106:

Licensed and Insured: All our towing partners are fully licensed and insured

No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no surprise charges

Proper Documentation: You'll receive all necessary paperwork

Insurance Coordination: We work directly with your insurance company

Safe Storage: Your vehicle is secured at our certified facility

How to Verify Legitimate Towing Services

Ask These Questions:

• "What's your business license number?"

• "Can you confirm the details of my service call?"

• "What forms of payment do you accept?"

• "Where will my vehicle be stored?"

• "Can I get a written estimate?"

Check These Credentials:

• Valid California business license

• Proper vehicle identification and signage

• Professional uniforms and identification badges

• Official invoicing and documentation

• Insurance verification

Reporting Tow Truck Scams

If you encounter a predatory towing operation, report it to:

• Los Angeles Police Department: 877-ASK-LAPD

• California Highway Patrol: 800-TELL-CHP

• California Department of Consumer Affairs: 800-952-5210

• Better Business Bureau: file online at bbb.org

Your Safety Comes First

Remember, legitimate towing companies want to help you, not take advantage of you. They'll provide proper identification, work with your insurance company, and give you time to understand what's happening.

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. A few extra minutes of verification can save you thousands of dollars and protect you from becoming a crime victim.

Need Safe, Reliable Collision Repair?

After a collision, you need partners you can trust. Collision Buddy has been serving the Woodland Hills, Tarzana, and Calabasas communities since 1956. We offer:

• Free legitimate towing to our certified facility

• 67+ years of experience in collision repair

• Insurance claim assistance to protect your interests

• Certified technicians using manufacturer-approved procedures

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Don't let tow truck scammers add to your accident stress. Call Collision Buddy at 818-600-0106 for honest, professional service you can trust.