If you’re looking for a reliable towing service in Lisle, IL, and the surrounding areas, Grapple N Go Towing is here to help! But before we dive into the common towing scams and how to avoid them, let’s quickly cover how to find us. Simply search “towing service near me” on Google, and you’ll find Grapple N Go Towing at the top of the list.
Now that you know who to trust for quality and reliable services, let’s talk about the dangers of unscrupulous tow truck operators who may try to take advantage of people in need.
Scam #1: Predatory Towing Scams
Predatory towing is illegal and should be avoided at all costs, especially in private parking lots. This occurs when a tow truck company tows a vehicle without the owner’s consent or proper authorization. To protect yourself:
- Always check for parking signs and ensure you have the correct permit before parking in a private lot.
- Be aware that some tow truck companies may patrol these private parking lots and inflate the cost of their services by towing away cars illegally parked. If you fall victim to predatory towing, contact the police and alert the Illinois Department of Transportation immediately.
Scam #2: Unnecessary Towing Scams
Unnecessary towing is another scam that unsuspecting drivers should be aware of. Some businesses claim that a vehicle needs to be towed when it doesn’t, usually to inflate service costs. To protect yourself:
- Always get a second opinion from someone you trust or the police before agreeing to have your car towed.
- Be wary of any tow truck driver who tries to convince you that your vehicle must be towed due to a flat tire or other minor issues. They may be trying to charge you for services you don’t need. Remain skeptical and ask questions if anything seems suspicious.
Scam #3: Overcharging Towing Scams
Unscrupulous tow truck companies often use overcharging as an unethical way to make more money. To avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Get a written estimate before agreeing to any services.
- Make sure to get the driver’s name, the tow truck’s license plate number, and the contact information of the company.
- In Lisle, IL, you can check out pricing offered by other local towing services by searching Google for “towing service near me” and calling companies to get a feel for the prices. Inquire about extra fees such as mileage charges, storage costs, or other hidden surcharges to know what the total price will be.
Scam #4: Stolen Vehicles Scams
Stolen vehicles are unfortunately a common scam by some tow truck companies. To protect yourself:
- Ensure you have proof of ownership, such as registration and insurance documents, on hand before the vehicle is towed away.
- Take a photo of your car before it’s towed and note down the license plate number of the tow truck and the name of the driver to confirm rightful ownership if disputes arise.
Scam #5: Towing from Public Places
To avoid falling victim to the scam of towing from public places:
- Always make sure you are parking legally.
- Be aware that some tow truck drivers may wait for you to leave and then quickly tow away your car. Take note of the time you parked your car and check on it regularly.
- If your car is towed without prior notification, contact the police and the Illinois Department of Transportation for assistance in retrieving your vehicle.
Scam #6: Fake Towing Companies
Fake towing companies can be deceiving and can cause you to fall victim to their scam. To protect yourself:
- Always use a reputable and trustworthy towing service like Grapple N Go Towing.
- Do your research by reading reviews and checking for a physical address or phone number. Make sure the company has good ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) after finding it by searching “towing service near me”.
Conclusion
To stay safe from towing scams, always be aware of potential scams and take the necessary precautions. Ask for a written estimate before agreeing to a tow and shop around for pricing with other towing services. In case of any suspicious activity, contact the police and the Illinois Department of Transportation right away.
For dependable and affordable towing services in Lisle, IL, and the surrounding areas, look no further than Grapple N Go Towing. Contact us today!
