Quick answer: Report predatory towing to your state attorney general’s consumer protection division, your local police department, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422). If fees were fraudulent or excessive, you may also file with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Many cities and states cap tow fees by law — excessive charges above those caps are illegal.
Predatory towing is when tow truck operators tow vehicles illegally or charge excessive fees that exploit vehicle owners. It includes “bandit towing” (towing from private lots without proper signage), inflated storage fees, refusing to accept payment methods required by law, and towing vehicles that weren’t actually violating any rule. This practice is regulated at the state and local level, and most states have specific laws protecting consumers.
What Counts as Predatory Towing
Reportable conduct includes towing from a lot without required signage or authorization, charging fees above your state or city’s legal cap, refusing to release a vehicle for a partial payment in states where that’s required, refusing to accept credit cards where required by law, charging for storage that began before you had a reasonable chance to retrieve the vehicle, failing to notify police within a required time after towing, and adding fake or unauthorized fees. “Bandit towing” — where operators stake out private lots and tow vehicles the moment they step away, sometimes with property manager collusion — is illegal in most states.
Where to Report Predatory Towing
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Get Your Free Checklist →| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive fees / illegal towing practices | State Attorney General | Search “[your state] attorney general consumer complaint” |
| Tow fraud / insurance fraud | NICB | 1-800-835-6422 | nicb.org |
| Local towing license violations | Local Police / City Regulatory Office | Non-emergency police line or 311 |
| General consumer fraud | FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Public complaint record | Better Business Bureau | bbb.org |
| Independent tow reporting | Know Your Tow | knowyourtow.org |
How to Report Predatory Towing Step by Step
- Document before you pay if possible. Photograph the tow notice, the signage (or lack of it) at the location, your vehicle before and after, and the itemized bill. Note the date, time, tow company name, and truck license plate.
- Pay under protest if you must. Write “paid under protest” on any receipt. Paying to get your car back does not waive your right to dispute or recover the charges — you can still file complaints and sue in small claims court.
- Get an itemized receipt. Most states require tow companies to provide an itemized bill. Demand one in writing before leaving the lot.
- Look up your state’s fee caps. Search “[your state] towing fee cap law” — most states set maximum charges for towing, hookup, and daily storage. Any fee above the cap is illegal.
- File with your state attorney general. This is your primary recourse. State AGs enforce consumer protection laws covering towing, can investigate individual companies, and have sued predatory towing operators.
- Report to local police. Many cities require tow companies to notify police within a short window after a tow. If that didn’t happen, file a police report — this documents the incident and may trigger a separate investigation.
- File with the NICB. The National Insurance Crime Bureau tracks tow fraud patterns. Call 1-800-835-6422 or submit online at nicb.org.
- File in small claims court. If you paid illegal or excessive fees, small claims court is an efficient way to recover them. Bring your itemized receipt, photos, and state fee cap documentation.
Consumer Rights in Most States
Signage requirements: Private lots must post clearly visible signs stating towing is enforced, the tow company’s name and phone number, and applicable fees. No signage often means the tow was illegal.
Payment methods: Many states require tow companies to accept major credit cards. Refusing cards and demanding cash only may be illegal.
Right to personal property: You generally have the right to retrieve personal items from your vehicle even before paying the tow fee. Refusing access to personal property may be illegal.
Penalties for Predatory Towing
State civil penalties: Towing companies that violate state caps can face fines of $500–$5,000 per violation and license revocation.
Consumer recovery: Many state laws allow you to recover the excess fees paid, plus attorney’s fees and additional statutory damages.
Criminal charges: Organized predatory towing schemes have resulted in criminal fraud, extortion, and conspiracy charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report a Bad Contractor, How to Report False Advertising, How to Report a Used Car Dealer.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
This guide is a supporting article in our pillar resource covering all consumer fraud types, every federal agency, and all 50 state contacts.
How to Report Consumer Fraud: Complete U.S. Guide →Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
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