Drivers ‘held hostage’ after being billed $17k for tow they didn’t request – they missed telling sign from the get go

DRIVERS are being “targeted and held hostage” by tow truck companies after missing the warning signs.

Motorists involved in car crashes have been warned to keep an eye out for red flags of “predatory towing” in US cities.

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The National Insurance Crime Bureau warned of a growing scam that has resulted in many “sad stories”.

Chris Stroisch from the NICB said he’s seen cases rise by 89 per cent in the last three years – in cities both big and small.

The California Department of Insurance said that tow truck companies are targeting drivers involved in crashes.

They pick up cars and then hold them hostage for large amounts of money.

There are two types of scams. The first is when a tow truck driver shows up immediately after an accident, and offers to help the motorist by towing their car to a body shop.

They pretend to have been sent to the scene by an insurance company, then charge “exorbitant fees” before giving the car back.

The second type of scam is where the tow driver steals personal information from the motorist.

They pretend to be law enforcement or from an insurance company.

Stroisch told FoxNews: “If you didn’t request it, reject it.

“If you’re in an accident and a tow truck company shows up on scene that’s unsolicited, we tell people to wait for law enforcement to arrive. And then once that tow truck company is on scene, to know as much as you can or know before you tow.”

Some operators are charging 10 times more the usual cost.

The average cost of a tow is $109, but Stroisch said some tow truck companies are charging “skyrocketing” prices.

“We’re seeing costs that are 10, 15, 16, and $17,000 that are just filled with absorbent fees and very vague descriptions of what people are actually paying for all while these vehicles are being held hostage.”

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