Don’t Fall For These 5 Roadside Assistance Scams

Being stranded on the road is not a please experience for anyone and often, it is dangerous. In such a situation, it is recommended to call roadside assistance as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, your moments of peril are a prime opportunity for conmen and scam artists who misuse the situation. There are many roadside scams out their that people fall victim to every year, thinking they will get the help they need. However, in reality, they are further exposing themselves to trouble. 

Below are 5 roadside assistance scams you should never fall in.

Unsolicited Service

If you are stranded on the road and an unmarked, unsolicited tow truck shows up to help you, then it is highly recommended that you will not accept. No matter how coincidental it may require, it might the oldest roadside assistance scam in the book. Any help when you get into an accident seems like a miracle, but if you didn’t call a towing service to the scene, then it is more likely a scam. This is particularly true if there is no company logo on the tow truck. It is recommended that you always contact a trusted towing service. 

Incomplete/Inaccurate Quote

Quoting someone for roadside assistance and then tacking several service fees is another roadside assistance scam you should not fall under. Make sure your quote includes the full towing price, including fuel and mileage, as well as service fees, and don’t forget to note it down. 

Incomplete Paperwork

When the tow truck arrives, to save  all paperwork in your records. Don’t let them tow you vehicle if your paperwork is not complete. It is recommended that you request a printed invoice along with other charges. And Make sure to check the sign of NYC Manhattan Towing on the paperwork matches the one on the tow truck. 

Towing Company with a Single Towing Destination

Do not work with the towing service nyc that only tows to a specific destination. Often time, these companies will only tow to a specific service station, which means you are at the mercy of extra charges that may come from that shop or towing service itself. 

Towing Company Not Recognizing Roadside Assistance Programs

Don’t work with the towing service that doesn’t recognize roadside assistance programs such as AAA. Towing service that offers cash the only service have their purposes, but when you have a roadside maintenance plan and you require emergency towing, it is recommended that you work with a company that honors that program. If a towing service does not accept AAA or any roadside assistance program, then it is likely that it is not credentialed or follow industry standard.

Just because your vehicle breaks down and you get stranded on side of the road it doesn’t mean you have to vulnerable. Follow the above mentioned tips so you can avoid both towing and roadside assistance scams. 

We at NYC Manhattan Towing strongly promote and encourage safe driving. We also know that sometimes things go wrong and you may require roadside assistance in the future. When you require help with your vehicle while on the road, NYC Manhattan Towing offers fast & reliable towing and roadside assistance.