Watch out! Tow truck drivers staging very convincing scams to fleece motorists out of thousands

Being involved in a vehicle accident is stressful enough as it is, but a growing number of South Africans faced with this situation are now being duped by unscrupulous tow truck drivers who attempt to fleece them of large amounts of money.

The SA Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) has warned that a disturbing number of towing companies are taking advantage of vulnerable motorists, by employing increasingly deceptive tactics.

Recently a motorist in Gauteng, who had been involved in a three-car collision, was duped by a tow truck driver who asked who her insurer was and then set up a fake call where the person on the other side of the line pretended to be a representative of that company.

The ‘call operator’ told the motorist not to try to move the car by herself as there was a risk of the airbag inflating unexpectedly, and she was further told that the insurer would not pay out if she continued to drive the car in this state.

The motorist agreed to have the car towed for an “assessment”, but later learned that it had been taken to the tow truck company’s premises rather than an accredited repair shop. 

But then came the big shock.

The tow truck company then demanded a release fee of R12,900, thanks to storage fees that had accumulated hourly. The motorist then approached the South African Police Service (SAPS) for intervention, but they advised that nothing could be done legally as the motorist had signed a digital authorisation form at the scene of the accident.

“These deceptive tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Motorists need to be aware that not all tow truck operators have their best interests at heart. If you are in an accident, you must remain calm and follow the correct procedures to avoid unnecessary costs and stress,” said SAMBRA’s National Director, Juan Hanekom.

The organisation advises that motorists take the following steps to avoid being in such a situation:

Know your Insurer’s approved tow service: Many insurers have contracts with accredited towing services. Keep these details handy and insist you personally call your insurer or broker. Do not allow a third party to do this.

Verify before you act: Do not take a call from an unknown number at face value. If someone claims to be your insurer, end the call and dial your insurance company’s official number directly.

Check identification: Ensure that any tow truck operator on the scene is from an accredited service provider.

Read the fine print: Never sign any document without reading it thoroughly. Digital signatures, in particular, can authorise charges you may not be aware of.

Call someone you trust: If you are unsure, call a trusted family member or friend for guidance before agreeing to any towing service.

Although many towing companies do operate professionally, it is important that motorists remain aware of these scams and take preventative steps to protect themselves from financial and legal headaches, SAMBRA concluded.

IOL