Tow Truck Scammers Targeting Accident Victims

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has issued an official warning about this alarming fraud. Click the video link above to hear more about the scam from KCAL News and gain helpful legal insight from Miguel Custodio of CD Law.

How the Scam Works

Tow truck scammers are targeting accident victims in a vulnerable state, showing up at crash scenes and offering to tow vehicles to a body shop. Sounds helpful right? Unfortunately, once the car is towed, the driver is hit with an outrageous bill, usually thousands of dollars, to get their vehicle back. One victim has reportedly lost $10,000 to this scheme. Even more shocking, some of the tow truck operators and body shops involved are actually licensed, making it even harder to spot the fraud.

What to Watch Out For

To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, be on the lookout for these warning signs:

• A tow truck that arrives moments after your accident, even though you never called one.
• The tow truck driver insists on taking your car to a specific body shop without giving you options.
• The driver asks for a signature or tells you that someone will call later to confirm details.

Here’s how you can protect yourself from the warning signs above:

• If a tow truck arrives unannounced, politely decline service and call your own roadside assistance or insurance provider.
• Always confirm with your insurance company or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that the tow truck was dispatched from them before letting the truck take your vehicle.
• Never sign any documents unless you are sure you’re dealing with an authorized tow service.

Scams like these prey on people when they’re most vulnerable, but knowledge is your best defense. If you or someone you know has been affected by a tow truck scam, report it to the CDI and seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our team is always here to help.