Don’t Fall For These 5 Roadside Assistance Scams
Being stranded on the road is not a pleasant experienced for anyone and often, it can be quite dangerous. In such situations, it is recommended to get roadside assistance as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, your moments of peril are a prime opportunity for conmen and scam artists who might want to take advantage of your situation. There are many roadside assistance scams out there that people fall victim to every year, thinking that they are getting the help they need. However, in reality, they are further exposing themselves to headaches and troubles.
Following are 5 roadside assistance scams you should never fall for:
Unsolicited Service
If you are stranded on the road and an unmarked, unsolicited tow truck shows up to offer you help, then it is highly recommended that you don’t accept their help. No matter how coincidental it may seem, this might actually be one of the oldest roadside assistance scams in the book. Any help when you get into an accident may seem like a miracle, but if you didn’t call a towing company to the scene, then they are most likely a scam. This is particularly true if there is no signage on the tow truck. It is recommended that you always call for a reputable towing service.
Incomplete/Inaccurate Quote
Quoting someone for roadside assistance and then tacking on a number of service fees and charges is another roadside assistance scam you should never fall for. Make sure your quote includes the full price of towing, including fuel and mileage, as well as any service fees. Don’t forget to get it in writing.
Incomplete Paperwork
When the tow truck arrives, make sure to collect all the paperwork for your records. Don’t let them tow your vehicle if the paperwork is incomplete. It is recommended that you request a printed invoice that includes the charges for towing as well as other charges. Make sure to check the signage on the paperwork matches the one on the tow truck.
Towing Company with a Single Towing Destination
It is recommended that you avoid working with a towing company that only tows to a single destination. Often times, these companies will only tow to a certain auto body shop, which means you will be at the mercy of any extra charges that might come from that shop or the towing service itself.
Towing Company Not Recognizing Roadside Assistance Programs
Don’t work with the towing company that does not recognize roadside assistance programs like AAA. Towing companies that offer cash-only services have their purposes, but when you have a roadside maintenance plan and you are in need of an emergency towing, it is recommended that you work with a company that will honor that program. If a towing company does not accept AAA or any other roadside assistance program, then it is likely that it is not credentialed or up to industry standards.
Just because your vehicle breaks down and you get stranded on the side of the road doesn’t mean that you have to be vulnerable. Follow the above-mentioned tips so you can avoid roadside assistance and towing scams.
We at Jan’s Towing strongly promote and encourage safe driving. We also know that sometimes things go wrong and you may need roadside assistance in the future. When you need help with your vehicle while on the road, Jan’s Towing offers fast & reliable towing and roadside assistance – everywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, such as Azusa, Glendora, Covina, West Covina, Arcadia, Irwindale, City of Industry, Rowland Heights, and beyond. In Inland Empire, we service the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Bloomington, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and surrounding cities. We will respond immediately on a 24/7 basis, so give us a call right now at (626) 914-1841 if you are in need of towing or any roadside assistance!
