Former tow company ‘ripped off’ several people in Bancroft: OPP

There have been multiple reports to the Bancroft detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) about a tow company scamming people out of money.

According to police, there are been several people “ripped off” by, what police conclude, is a former company from the area. People have reported that they call a supposedly local number found online for a tow and then pre-pay “extremely” high prices using their credit card.

It appears to police that the business closed down but the social media presence and possibly the former company’s phone number are being used by scammers.

“Then this fraudulent tow company, may reach out to a local tow company that does operate, and say, ‘Yeah go do this,’ and they’ll pay (real tow operators) a little bit of money, but keep the vast profit,” Bill Dickson, media relations officer with OPP told CityNews in an interview.

After this, officials say that either no tow truck shows up or a real local company arrives. Sometimes the real companies have to charge for the services they provide because they did not receive any payment from the fraudulent business.

“Then these poor people, who are maybe stuck in a ditch or whatever, are being double tapped for tow service,” Dickson said.

Police said the scammers make it appear like the company is active. Investigators have reached out to the owners of the real former company but at this point, police don’t have leads on who could be behind the scam.

This comes after OPP busted two fake tow truck companies that were overcharging and holding customers’ vehicles hostage.

On Nov. 27, police received a complain after a tow company refused to release a vehicle from its impound yard. The vehicle was towed there against the owner’s wishes after a collision. The company then told the owner they had to pay more than $5,000 for one week of storage. Another report similar came about a week later.

“The point of doing that is so they can keep the car and sell it to make more money,” Constable Michael Fathi, with the Ottawa detachment of the OPP, previously said. “They (the company) are required to provide detailed receipts for services provided.”

Southway Towing, a driver from the Ottawa-based company, and Pro Solution Towing were charged in early December and faced offences related to issues with payment, consent and failing to provide information.

OPP are warning people to brush up on their tow truck rights as scams with companies are popping up in the east region.

Rights of those using tow truck services include:

• You have the right to decide who can to your vehicle and to what location (unless otherwise directed by police).
• Call your insurance company for direction on tow companies, repairs and car rentals.
• A “permission to tow” form must be signed before towing starts.
• The towing company must provide you with an itemized invoice before receiving payment.
• You are entitled to a receipt for tow services rendered.
• You have the right to pay by credit card if you choose.

Officials say people should:

• Decline offers to store your vehicle at a tow compound unless directed by your insurer,
• Never sign a blank contract or take referrals from tow companies. Tow companies only tow.