Imagine this: you’ve just been in a minor fender bender on a busy Calgary street. Before you even have a chance to call for help, a tow truck conveniently shows up and offers to take your car to the nearest repair shop.

Relieved, you accept the offer—only to find out later that you’ve been charged an outrageous fee, your car is being held hostage until you pay, and the repair shop is demanding even more money for unnecessary repairs.

Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you might think.

Towing scams are a growing problem for drivers in Calgary and across Canada. Unsuspecting motorists often fall victim to predatory towing practices, including inflated fees, unauthorized towing, and misleading agreements.

When you’re in a stressful situation—like a breakdown or accident—it’s easy to make quick decisions that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

This blog post will help you spot and avoid common towing scams. We’ll cover the red flags to watch for, practical steps to protect yourself, and how to choose a trustworthy towing company in Calgary.

With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from towing fraud and ensure your vehicle is handled by a reputable professional.

Common Towing Scams

Towing scams are more common than many drivers realize. When you’re in a vulnerable situation—such as after a breakdown or accident—it’s easy to trust the first tow truck that shows up.

Unfortunately, not all towing companies operate honestly. Unscrupulous operators take advantage of stressed and distracted drivers, charging excessive fees or taking vehicles to disreputable repair shops.

Understanding the most common types of towing scams can help you avoid becoming a victim.

1. Predatory Towing

Predatory towing happens when a tow truck operator illegally tows a vehicle from private property without the owner’s consent or proper legal authority. This is common in parking lots where unclear signage or restricted access areas create confusion.

In a typical scenario, the vehicle is towed to a private lot, and the owner is forced to pay exorbitant fees to retrieve it.

These fees can include:

• High towing charges
• Unjustified storage fees (sometimes charged by the hour)
• Administrative or release fees

In some cases, the operator may refuse to release the vehicle until the full amount is paid in cash, leaving the driver with limited options.

Example: A driver parks in a poorly marked private lot in Calgary, only to return and find their car missing. The towing company claims that the vehicle was illegally parked and demands a hefty fee for its release.

👉 How to Avoid It:

• Pay attention to private parking signs and restrictions.
• If your vehicle is towed, contact the local police department or municipal towing authority to verify if the towing company is licensed.
• Only deal with licensed and authorized towing companies in Calgary.

2. Bandit Towing

Bandit towing occurs when an unauthorized tow truck shows up at the scene of an accident or breakdown without being called. These operators often monitor police scanners or cruise busy areas, waiting for opportunities to target vulnerable drivers.

Once they arrive, they may pressure the driver to accept their service, often claiming that the tow is required by law or covered by insurance. The driver’s vehicle is then taken to a repair shop that works with the tow company, where inflated repair fees are added to the towing costs.

Example: After a minor accident on a Calgary highway, a tow truck shows up without being called. The operator insists that the vehicle must be towed immediately to avoid fines or additional damage. Once the vehicle is at the repair shop, the driver is hit with high towing and repair fees.

👉 How to Avoid It:

• Never accept towing services from a truck that shows up unannounced.
• Contact your insurance company or a trusted towing service (like AAA Towing) directly for assistance.
• Ask for proper identification and a company name before agreeing to any services.

3. Overcharging and Hidden Fees

One of the most common towing scams involves inflating charges or adding hidden fees after the tow is completed. Some towing companies take advantage of the driver’s stressful situation to charge:

• Excessive per-kilometer rates
• Unnecessary storage fees
• Extra charges for equipment or services that weren’t provided
• Administrative fees for “processing paperwork”

In some cases, the tow operator might hold the vehicle until all fees are paid, even if the charges are unreasonable.

Example: A driver’s car breaks down late at night. A tow truck arrives and tows the vehicle to a nearby lot. The next day, the driver is handed a bill that includes a towing fee, a service call fee, a lot storage fee, and an after-hours fee—amounting to hundreds of dollars more than expected.

👉 How to Avoid It:

• Get a clear quote before the tow begins.
• Ask for a printed or written invoice with a breakdown of charges.
• If the fees seem unreasonable, contact your local regulatory authority or consumer protection agency.

Recognizing these common scams can help you make better decisions when dealing with a towing situation. Knowing your rights and working with a reputable towing company like AAA Towing can save you from unnecessary stress and financial loss.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Towing scams can be hard to spot, especially when you’re stressed or in a hurry. Fraudulent tow truck operators often rely on confusion and urgency to trick drivers into accepting overpriced or unauthorized services.

Being aware of the warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to towing scams. Here are some key red flags to watch out for:

1. Unsolicited Tow Trucks

One of the biggest red flags is a tow truck showing up at the scene of an accident or breakdown without being called. These operators monitor police scanners or patrol busy roads, waiting for accidents to occur.

They may approach you aggressively, claiming that the tow is required or that they’ve been sent by your insurance company.

🚩 Example: After a minor accident on a Calgary highway, a tow truck shows up just minutes later and insists that the vehicle must be towed immediately. The operator pressures the driver to agree, but no one called for the service.

👉 How to Handle It:

• Never accept a tow from an unsolicited tow truck.
• If you didn’t call for a tow, politely decline the service.
• Contact your insurance company or a trusted towing company like AAA Towing directly for assistance.

2. Lack of Proper Identification

Legitimate tow trucks are required to display clear identification, including the company name, logo, and contact details. If the truck is unmarked or the driver cannot provide valid credentials, that’s a major red flag.

🚩 Example: A tow truck arrives at the scene of an accident, but the driver’s uniform and truck lack any identifiable markings. When asked for a company name or business license, the driver becomes evasive or aggressive.

👉 How to Handle It:

• Always ask for identification before accepting a tow.
• Look for a marked company logo and phone number on the truck.
• If the driver cannot provide proper identification, refuse the service and call for a verified towing company.

3. Pressure Tactics

Fraudulent tow truck operators often use high-pressure tactics to convince you to accept their services on the spot. They may claim that your car is in immediate danger, threaten additional charges if you refuse, or insist that your insurance company will cover the cost.

🚩 Example: After a breakdown, a tow operator arrives and insists that the car needs to be towed to a specific repair shop. They claim the shop is the “best option” and that the tow must happen immediately to avoid additional charges.

👉 How to Handle It:

• Take your time to assess the situation.
• Do not feel pressured to decide on the spot.
• Politely decline and contact your insurance company or a trusted towing service for advice.

How to Protect Yourself

Avoiding towing scams comes down to staying calm, verifying information, and working with reputable companies. When you find yourself in a vulnerable situation—such as a breakdown or accident—following these steps can help you stay in control and avoid being scammed:

1. Stay Calm

Panicking after an accident or breakdown can lead to poor decisions. Scammers rely on confusion and stress to convince you to accept their services.

✅ What to Do:

• Take a deep breath and focus on assessing the situation.
• Avoid making quick decisions under pressure.
• Take a moment to collect yourself before deciding how to proceed.

2. Contact Authorities or Insurance

Before agreeing to any towing service, call your insurance company or local authorities (non-emergency police) to confirm that the tow is necessary and authorized. Insurance companies often have preferred towing providers that are already vetted and approved.

✅ What to Do:

• Call your insurance company’s roadside assistance line for guidance.
• If you suspect a scam, call the local police department to report it.
• Confirm that the towing company is authorized and properly registered.

3. Verify Credentials

A legitimate tow truck operator will have no problem providing their company name, business license, and contact information. Look for visible markings on the tow truck, including the company logo and phone number.

✅ What to Do:

• Ask for the driver’s name and ID.
• Look for official logos and contact information on the truck.
• If the driver hesitates or refuses to provide credentials, decline the service.

4. Read Before Signing

Fraudulent tow operators often slip in hidden fees or misleading terms in the fine print. If you don’t read the contract carefully, you might unknowingly agree to inflated fees or unnecessary services.

✅ What to Do:

• Request a clear, itemized invoice before agreeing to the tow.
• Review all terms and fees carefully.
• If you see vague language or unexplained charges, refuse to sign.

5. Use Trusted Services

The best way to avoid scams is to work with a reputable towing company that you know and trust. If you don’t already have a preferred service, research local towing services and keep their contact information in your vehicle or phone.

✅ What to Do:

• Rely on your insurance company’s network of trusted towing service providers.
• Keep AAA Towing’s contact information saved in your phone for emergencies.
• If in doubt, refuse the service and contact a trusted provider directly.

🚨 Pro Tip:

If you’re involved in an accident or breakdown in Calgary, contact AAA Towing directly for fast, professional, and trustworthy service. AAA Towing operates 24/7 and follows strict industry regulations to ensure fair pricing and quality service.

By staying calm, verifying credentials, and working with reputable companies, you can avoid falling victim to towing scams and ensure that your vehicle is handled professionally and fairly.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Scam

Even if you’ve already agreed to a questionable tow or suspect that you’ve been scammed, it’s not too late to take action. Quick and decisive steps can help protect your rights, recover costs, and prevent future scams. Here’s what you should do if you suspect a towing scam:

1. Document Everything

The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to dispute unfair charges or file a complaint. Start documenting the situation as soon as you sense something is wrong.

✅ What to Document:

• Take clear photos of the tow truck, including license plates and any visible company markings.
• Photograph the driver’s ID and any documentation they provide.
• If you’re being overcharged, take a picture of the invoice or contract.
• Note the location, time, and any conversations you had with the driver.

Example: If the tow truck has no company markings or the driver refuses to provide credentials, having photographic evidence can strengthen your case when you report it.

2. Report to Authorities

If you believe that the tow was illegal or the fees are fraudulent, report it to the appropriate authorities. Many municipalities in Alberta have strict towing regulations and consumer protection laws in place to prevent predatory practices.

✅ Who to Contact:

• Local Law Enforcement: Report the incident to the Calgary Police Department if you feel that the tow was illegal or fraudulent.
• Alberta Consumer Protection Office: You can file a formal complaint about the towing company with the Alberta government’s consumer protection division.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Reporting to the BBB helps warn other drivers about predatory towing companies.

Example: If the tow truck driver demands cash or refuses to release your vehicle, this is a clear violation of consumer protection laws—report it immediately.

3. Inform Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company can help you recover costs and may assist with handling the dispute. Additionally, some insurance providers have partnerships with trusted towing companies, which can prevent future issues.

✅ What to Do:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident.
• Provide them with all the evidence and documentation you’ve collected.
• Ask if towing charges are covered under your policy and whether they can intervene with the towing company.

Example: If the towing company refuses to provide an itemized invoice or releases your vehicle only after payment, your insurance company can help negotiate on your behalf.

Conclusion

Towing scams are more common than most drivers realize, but you don’t have to be a victim. By recognizing the warning signs—such as unsolicited tow trucks, lack of proper identification, and high-pressure tactics—you can avoid falling into a scam. Understanding how to protect yourself by verifying credentials, contacting your insurance company, and documenting everything ensures that you remain in control of the situation.

The key to avoiding towing scams is staying informed and prepared. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, take a step back, assess the scenario, and only accept help from a trusted towing company.

👉 Need reliable towing in Calgary? Contact AAA Towing for fast and trustworthy service!

AAA Towing operates 24/7 and is known for providing professional, transparent, and safe towing services across Calgary. Don’t leave your vehicle’s safety to chance—choose AAA Towing for peace of mind. Learn more about us.