‘Legitimate tow truck companies will not use high-pressure or fear-based tactics, and they will not charge exorbitant prices or additional fees on top of the tow cost,’ police say.
Several people from across Alberta, many in Calgary and Edmonton, claim questionable tow truck contractors have offered to scoop up their vehicles after car accidents.
Calgary police have not received any formal complaints or reports on the matter, but it’s on their radar.
“We are aware of this issue as it was brought to our attention through CFD, who have encountered some unscrupulous tow truck drivers at collision sites,” read an emailed statement from CPS.
Police encouraged citizens to report the incidents, so that officers can determine if a criminal investigation is warranted, or if it is more of a civil matter, depending on what occurred.
Postmedia has contacted the Calgary Fire Department for comment.
A source that works for a tow truck company in southern Alberta says the questionable tow trucks will show up to car accidents before anyone else and try to convince crash victims to go with them.
“They’ve been caught trying to remove vehicles from scenes before they’ve been assessed . . . they’re very predatorial how they go about it,” said the source, who asked their identity be kept anonymous over direct message.
Their belief is the tow companies are telling people they will take their vehicle to the impound, letting people think it’s going to the city impound lot, but then bringing it to their own lot and charge ridiculous fees.
“Once insurance companies find the vehicles to get them inspected it has been costing them thousands of dollars,” they said.
What to look for when a tow truck arrives
If motorists find themselves in a situation where they are feeling pressured by tow truck drivers, CPS said there are a few things to keep in mind.
Police advised to wait for first responders to arrive before agreeing to have your vehicle towed.
“Law enforcement agencies usually have existing partnerships with tow trucking companies,” it said. “CPS will facilitate tows for serious-injury and fatal collisions.”
With non-injury collisions, people can choose to use a tow truck company of their choice.
“Legitimate tow truck companies will not use high-pressure or fear-based tactics, and they will not charge exorbitant prices or additional fees on top of the tow cost,” said CPS.
The anonymous source said people should look for company recognition when a tow truck arrives, particularly large logos, phone numbers, and website clearly displayed on the vehicle.
“Tow trucks trying to scam people have very little and almost hidden logos, also when you Google the company names that are on the trucks nothing will come up,” said the source.
A spokesperson for Alberta’s Public Safety and Emergency Services minister said questions regarding potential tow truck scams should be directed to local police, along with reporting any information to local authorities.
“We take these allegations seriously, as we are actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with provincial counterparts across the country to ensure public safety,” read the emailed statement from press secretary Arthur Green.
Green also said Albertans who believe that a business has potentially violated consumer protection laws are encouraged to file a complaint with the Consumer Investigations Unit by calling 1-877-427-4088.
More to come…
— With files from Postmedia and The Canadian Press