Getting stranded on the side of the road is stressful enough without worrying about scams. Unfortunately, dishonest tow truck operators prey on drivers at their most vulnerable moments\u2014especially after accidents. In Southern California, state officials have even uncovered organized rings that hold vehicles hostage for cash.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Foglesong Towing, we\u2019ve served the Inland Empire and Southern California drivers for decades. We believe you should know the warning signs of predatory towing so you can protect yourself, your vehicle, and your wallet. Here are the seven most common towing scams in Southern California\u2014and what you can do to avoid them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unsolicited tow trucks show up within minutes of an accident, claiming to be sent by your insurance company or police. They\u2019re monitoring scanners and rushing to hook your car first.\u00a0 Some operators patrol apartment complexes or shopping centers looking for even minor violations, like a car slightly outside the line. They tow vehicles without proper authorization or required signage.\u00a0 A driver quotes a low fee upfront, then demands hundreds more in hidden charges once your car is hooked or at the yard.\u00a0 The driver insists they must tow your car to a preferred or insurance-approved body shop. Once there, the shop inflates repair costs or holds your vehicle hostage for payment.\u00a0 Scammers create websites, uniforms, or even logos that mimic legitimate companies. Once they tow your car, they either overcharge or steal it outright.\u00a0 Your vehicle is taken to an undisclosed yard, and you\u2019re hit with daily storage fees of $100+ before you can even locate it. In some cases, excessive fees mirror what drivers face when retrieving a vehicle from an impound lot<\/a>.\u00a0 By law (AB 2210<\/a>), if you return to your car before it leaves the property, the tow truck driver must release it immediately for no more than half the standard fee. Some refuse unless you pay in full.\u00a0 If you believe you\u2019ve been scammed:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Foglesong Towing, we do things the right way. Our team is licensed, insured, and trusted by law enforcement agencies across Southern California. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, 24\/7 emergency towing<\/a> you can actually count on, and a modern fleet with flatbed options<\/a> to safely transport your vehicle. When you need help, don\u2019t leave your car in the wrong hands. Contact Foglesong Towing today<\/a> for professional, reliable service anywhere in Southern California.\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Getting your car impounded in Ontario, CA can be stressful, but the process doesn\u2019t have to be confusing. Foglesong Towing\u2019s step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know \u2014 from confirming where your vehicle is, to paying fees, to understanding California Vehicle Code \u00a722651. With local insights like Ontario PD release hours and storage costs, this resource will help you reclaim your vehicle quickly and avoid costly mistakes.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1761,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163,164,162],"tags":[173,174,172,171,170],"class_list":["post-1757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ontario-towing-services","category-roadside-help-guides","category-vehicle-impounds-towing-laws","tag-bandit-tow-trucks","tag-how-to-avoid-towing-scams","tag-inland-empire-towing-fraud","tag-predatory-towing-california","tag-southern-california-towing-scams"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> They push to tow your vehicle before you\u2019ve verified who they are.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> Only use a tow truck you or law enforcement requested. Call your insurance or roadside assistance to confirm.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Predatory Private Property Tows<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> Your car disappears from private property without notice.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> Know California Vehicle Code \u00a722658<\/a>, which requires signage and written authorization before a private property tow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Bait-and-Switch Pricing<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> The driver refuses to give a written estimate.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> Always ask for an itemized invoice before authorizing the tow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Forced Repair Shop Scams<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> You\u2019re told you can\u2019t pick your own shop.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> California law guarantees you the right to choose where your car is repaired. If unsure, have it towed home instead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Fake Tow Companies<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> The tow truck has no company name or refuses to provide ID.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> Verify the company is licensed with the California DMV or call your insurer to confirm the dispatcher.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Surprise Storage Fees<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> The driver doesn\u2019t tell you where your car is being taken.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> Always confirm the exact destination and get it in writing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Illegal Tow Release Refusal<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Flag:<\/strong> The driver won\u2019t drop your vehicle, even though it hasn\u2019t left the lot.\u00a0
How to Avoid:<\/strong> Know your rights and, if necessary, call the police to enforce the law.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to Do If You\u2019re Targeted<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Foglesong Towing Protects Southern California Drivers<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n