Roadside Towing & Recovery Inc.

This company charged me to put my car down off the tower that hadn't even been picked up before I could tell them I would move it And then I had to watch them put it up and pay for them to put it downThey are out to take people's money

Unethical behavior by the toe truck driver. He solicited a bribe in lieu of towing the car.My daughter's car was towed for illegal parking. The tow truck operator told my daughter that he would drop her car if she gave him $125 cash. Her wallet was in her car, so she needed to retrieve her keys in the apartment to get the cash. When she went to get the keys, the driver departed. She was later told that she would incur a storage fee in addition to the towing fee. I believe that this is standard business practice by this company. They either look for kickbacks in cash or they never intend to drop the vehicle and look for a way to distract the owner in order to drive away (and collect storage fees). An owner deserves to know where the car is going, the costs involved, and any mitigation measures to avoid towing. Desired SettlementI would like to this company labelled as unethical by the Revdex.com. I will address the matter to the apartment owner, with whom I have similar ethical concerns.Business Response After review we have found our driver had the vehicle in question loaded and was preparing to leave when he was approached by someone suggesting they were the owner of this car. Our driver took the time to explain to the vehicle possessor why the vehicle was being towed. In speaking with our staff member, he indicated the truck and vehicle were blocking the parking lot and needed to move the two vehicles out of the roadway. He did so and the person that suggested they are the vehicle owner walked off. He then queried the other persons as to where the vehicle owner went to, and was told that she went inside. Several others began to approach the two units and began cursing at our driver over another vehicle that was towed meanwhile the original vehicle owner had not returned in nearly 10 minutes. As a result he continued to move the vehicle to our storage facility in accordance with our policy. We have a finding of fact that our driver gave ample opportunity for the vehicle to be retrieved on site for the drop fee of 125. This was not accepted by the vehicle possessor or owner and the vehicle was subsequently towed. This is in no form or fashion a "bribe" however is a courtesy to people whom are on site and wish to retrieve their vehicle immediately. Our management team works diligently to handle this situation with reason and will continue to do so both ethically, and morally in the confines of the laws of the state of North Carolina.Thank-you for bringing this to our attention we consider this case closed.

This company charged me 125 to put my car down off the tower that hadn't even been picked up before I could tell them I would move it. And then I had to watch them put it up and pay 125 for them to put it down. They are out to take people's money.","neg-1

Given 20 minutes to reclaim my towed vehicle on a Sunday morning, the employee refused to accept the payment because some of it was in change.On Sunday August 9th, my [redacted] was towed from a residential parking lot. When I called the company at 11:10am to inquire about how to reclaim my vehicle, the employee told me I had to bring $250 in cash by noon. Between my boyfriend and me, we had $182 in paper money. My boyfriend had rolled change the previous weekend, ready to take to the bank, and we brought that as the remainder of the $250. We arrived to claim vehicle and called to let them know we were there at 11:43am. [redacted], the employee came out and took my ID inside for verification. He returned a few minutes later, opened the gate, saw the rolled coins, and proceeded to close the gate while refusing to take that as our form of payment. He said "I'm not taking that!" We said that he requested cash, reminded him that I mentioned on the phone before arriving that it was Sunday, banks were closed and that I do not have a bank in the area, and that this was all the cash we could put together- given that he gave us until noon to get the car. He said, "Where am I supposed to put that money?", and "I have to ask my boss if I can take it". After going inside and phoning his boss, he returned and said "I'll take it, but you'll have to count out every piece". We said that we would, and he said, "I'm leaving in 10 minutes" as he walked inside and told us we had 20 minutes to get back with the remainder in paper money. As we drove away, I called him asking what the options were for coming back later, as it was not possible for us to get money and return in 20 minutes. He told us that someone would be back at 2:00pm. We returned later in the day, and a more pleasant employee helped us pay with only paper money. We told him we appreciated his attitude, since the person before refused to let us reclaim the vehicle and was unpleasant, to which he replied that he hears that all the time. My boyfriend called the company on the morning of August 10th to talk to the boss about what had happened. He explained everything to the boss. The boss responded with comments that "they aren't there to count money on the weekend." He justified [redacted]'s actions, even when questioned about the legality of refusing the appropriate payment, with "you should have just come in to pick it up on Monday like everyone else." He did not acknowledge any wrongdoing on the part of his employee.Desired SettlementThe reclamation of a towed vehicle can be a stressful situation. We were given very stringent conditions (a large amount of cash only and in less than one hour). We met those conditions and were refused the ability to reclaim the vehicle. This caused both of us a great deal of stress and loss of an entire day. This could have been avoided entirely if the employee would have accepted our full payment the first time, as we attempted to take care of the situation promptly, respectfully, and responsibly. I believe that full reimbursement of the $250 is fair, given these circumstances. Steps should be taken that the employees at this location, including [redacted], should not hold a person's vehicle/property and make up their own terms as they choose.

I parked at [redacted] Lane in Durham. I was towed illegally I was not in a fire lane or in a illegal parking spot. I was towed without notification. I was towed at 12:00AM from a parking complex [redacted] in Durham. I was at community bible study that is held the last Friday of the month. I have been going to this event for two years and I was never towed. The towing agent was rude and tried to run me over when I proceed to call the home owner outside as I waved and signaled the wrecker to stop. He did not stop and continued to come toward me with his towing gear down.. The driver jumped out the car and told me "Get the [redacted] out of the way before he runs me over." First I asked, "Why are you towing vehicles?" He states, "These cars were parked in a fire lane." We were not in a fire lane neither were there any signs indicating this. Secondly, he states "that we were parked in the middle of the street." This was a lie because home owners frequently park on the curb around their town houses. Thirdly, I asked after that whom authority did he have permission to town the car(s)? He states, "he had authorization from the HOA of the town house complex to do so. He then jumps out of the wrecker and places a boot on the car because I would not move. I asked, "What is the name of the company and his name?" He told me to look at the side of the truck and he didn't have to tell me his name. At this point all of the people at the bible study was moving there cars. The tow truck driver says that there is signs that state it is illegal to park. There is no signage at the area in which I was parked. I called the Desired SettlementI will be seeking my car back in the morning for him towing me illegally. If I am forced to pay I will be seeking legal representation for unjust business practices. Business Response We apologize to the Bureau for a late response to this complaint. Happy Easter.Mrs. [redacted] was not the person driving this vehicle . We believe this complaint has been written by the husband who was driving the vehicle. Our drivers towed this vehicle at 943pm not near midnight.Her husband was in-fact towed from the travel [redacted] / Fire [redacted], on [redacted]. The vehicle belongs to Mrs [redacted] being driven by her husband. Later that evening we did experience a break-in at our tow lot. Our drivers noticed the same vehicle had been removed from our property and was illegally parked on another property that we tow from on our street. The vehicle was towed again and when her husband arrived at the tow yard a second time he was intact arrested for FELONY BREAKING AND ENTERING WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE.We will be forwarding this complaint to the District Attorneys office for his prosecution. Mrs. [redacted] did claim her vehicle the following day.Thank-youRoadside Towing Operations[redacted]Consumer Response The fact that this response is an attack on someone who do not ask for your service (towed illegally) speaks volumes of how shady your organization is. The facts are that your company did not call the cops it was indeed the owner of the vehicle who placed the call to the police, NOT ROADSIDE TOWING AND RECOVERY! The fact that this is in the consumer report should be tossed out. Instead of addressing the fact that your driver who made threatening remarks and would not allow for payment of the vehicle when he was at [redacted] speaks even more so about your business. Instead of addressing your driver you keep him on payroll so that he can continue to do your dirty work and bully hardworking and honest people. These honest and hard working people witnessed your driver making threatening remarks outside of [redacted]. Your driver not only towed the vehicle but came back to tow many other cars INCLUDING THE RESIDENTS that were parked along the curb (NOT FIRE LANE)!! The complaint is about your drivers and your companies operation procedure and predatory nature trying to make a quick dollar. The fact that you do not address the situation speaks volumes of the kind of operation your business conducts. The car was towed and held IllEGALLY by your company and would not allow for the pay of the vehicle that night/morning it towed! The cash was presented to your driver and he did not take it at the scene he said, "come back in the morning" so that the extra fees can be incurred for storage. Also, the cops were called 3 TIMES ALL BY THE CONSUMER in attempts to recover the vehicle. The cops were called the morning at 1:00AM and was not released. The next day your company stated operating hours of 8AM-2PM when arriving at roadside the second time at 9:00AM the car was not given back the third time at 1:30PM the car was not given back and the cops were called again! The officer that was at the scene was upset because he receives SO MANY CALLS to come out to your business because of YOUR shady dealings. The officer could be out stopping crime but has to come to your place of business because of your illegal towing. Your management was trying to hold the car until Monday so that your company can add on more storage fees from the tow. Your management called at 5:30PM that evening after the cops had been called 3 TIMES and said, "you can come pick up the car at 6:30." Why didn't your management release the car the first 3 initial times payment was presented? Your company has many complaints about your services and practices. Your driver who has on many complaints been cited for his attitude and nasty way of conducting business. by many complaints on this particular website and [redacted] reviews. Please be aware of Business that think they are above the law and will do anything for a quick dollar. Final Business Response This vehicle was not towed "illegally" the vehicle was towed under contract serving the residents and protecting persons and property from the negligence of the inattentive driver. In the future it would be best to park your vehicle in one of the many open spaces clearly labeled visitor. Refrain from parking where other vehicles may have difficult times entering and exiting their respective spaces. Thank-youRoadside Towing and Recovery

This company illegally tows vehicles and charges outrageous recovery fee's. This company also damaged my vehicle during their illegal tow.My vehicle was illegally towed by Roadside Towing & Recovery on 12/20/15 around 1am. My car was parked in the handicap parking spot of my community, with a valid handicap decal, and community parking decal. The next morning on the way to work I noticed my vehicle was not in the parking spot. I called Roadside Towing and Recovery to see why they towed my vehicle. The female on the phone told me they did not have my vehicle, however I persisted She then said " oh yea we do have your vehicle". I explained to her that I did not understand why my vehicle was towed, because I was parked in handicap, and I have a valid parking decal. She told me she would contact her boss, and see what options were available. The boss, [redacted] told the employee to take pictures of the vehicle so he could see the parking decal. After reviewing the pictures, he stated the parking decal was "slightly visible" and I would have to pay $250 to recover my vehicle. When I went to recover my vehicle the lady at the front desk was extremely rude, and made me pass ** money through the barbed wire fence. When I came in she simply handed me a receipt, she did not check for identification, proof of registration or anything. She just told me I could take my vehicle. Before leaving the parking lot, I discovered someone had entered my vehicle there was damage to the rear view mirror and my parking decal was laying on the floor. I took images of my car before leaving the lot ( you can see the rear of their building in the images) and I notified the front desk attended. I told her to have her supervisor call me because I will not only be seeking a refund from their illegal tow, but I would need compensation for the physical damage to my vehicle. The next morning, I called to speak to Mr. [redacted] and they said he was out of the office and would return my call. I never received a return call from him. I called several times that week and he was always conveniently out of the office. I was able to reach Mr. [redacted] on 12/28/2015, and he told me he would research my issue and get back to me. After a week of not hearing from Mr. [redacted] I called him again on 01/04/2016. The man at the front desk told me he was busy and would return my call. After waiting for a few hours, I called again and let them know I wanted to come up there to speak with him, and I wanted to know when he would be returning. He told me I could just wait around until he returned because he didn't know what time he would be back and did not have a phone number to reach him. This company illegal tows vehicles, without any regards to the consequences that the victims have to deal with. In an effort to get some extra cash before the holidays, this company illegally towed resident's cars in our community four days before Christmas! As a former service member, I cannot allow this company to essentially steal money from people. This is not how you treat members of the armed forces, or anyone for that matter. This company should be shut down for illegal business practices. They towed my vehicle illegally(which is Grand Theft Auto), did not notify the police department of their intent to tow my vehicle ( as required by NC State law), and held my vehicle from me until I paid outrageous fee's that should have never been applied. This company also attempted to take photos of my vehicle a few days after this incident because they did not take photos at the time of the tow.Desired SettlementI would like a full 100% refund of my $250 tow and other ridiculous fee's imposed by this company.I want the company to pay for the damages to my vehicle, as quoted by a certified Acura dealership.I want this com pay to lose their contract with the apartment community until they can follow proper towing guidelines. Business Response We have reviewed this complaint with our staff members, and find as follows.Ms [redacted] car was illegally parked in the parking lot without a valid parking permit in the vehicle. Ms [redacted] has a handicapped placard hanging from the rearview mirror, this would have been acceptable had she parked the car in a HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE. Instead of parking in a handicapped space she parked in a resident space without a parking decal for this property.Ms [redacted] vehicle was not entered by anyone on our staff. The vehicle was locked at pickup and locked when she arrived to retrieve it. Further we have reviewed all of the photos from the night the vehicle was towed and saw no damage caused by us. After hearing of this complaint we sent a driver with a camera out to the complex to look for damages on the car. THERE ARE NONE.Ms [redacted] has an idea that she may act with impunity, tout her military service in which we are grateful for, and make demands of others without regard for fact. We will not be reimbursing her any monies as it relates to this vehicle being towed.Thank-you for your assistance.Roadside Towing and RecoveryConsumer Response After speaking with a Durham County Magistrate, they have advised me to modify my original Revdex.com complaint. It is clear that Mr. [redacted] refuses to admit partial fault for the illegal tow, and the damages this has caused me. If Roadside Towing and Recovery, had previously taken photos of my "illegally parked vehicle", it would have been unnecessary for Mr. [redacted] to request photos of my car from his front desk attendant my vehicle was in his possession. Furthermore, it was also unnecessary for him to come back to my neighborhood in a harassing manner on another evening to take pictures of my vehicle; as any damages that may have occurred would have been evident in his original photos.On the date the incident occurred, I paid the fee's and attempted to resolve the matter with Mr. [redacted] the following day. After our initial conversation, he failed to respond to my initial complaint despite multiple attempts to reach him. I can admit on some evenings, other resident's park in the Handicap space in front of my building, which is the reason I reached out to him to request photos of my parked location on that evening, in which he failed to respond. I was confident that I parked my vehicle in the Handicap Parking Spot that evening. This issue could have been resolved directly if he would have taken the time to respond to my complaint. Instead he evaded my calls and acted in a suspicious manner. The greater issue, is the fact that I had a valid parking permit in the vehicle, and when I recovered my vehicle the rear view mirror was hanging and the parking permit was on the floor. I have included photos. Despite being made aware that I had a valid parking permit in my vehicle, Mr. [redacted] still imposed outrageous fee's. It should also be noted that the Revdex.com request information regarding veteran status during the complaint, hence the reason for me mentioning it in my complaint. Mr. [redacted]'s attempts to traduce my character are malicious and consistent with his unethical business practices and poor moral fiber.It is evident that Roadside Towing and Recovery refuses to do the right thing as it pertains to this matter. Although, the owner refuses to acknowledge my complaint and reimburse me at the very minimum of the improper storage fee I will be seeking justice elsewhere. I have joined an already active civil suit against Roadside Towing and Recovery for their predatory towing methods. RTR charged me a storage fee although my vehicle was in their possession for less than 10 hours, and refused to accept any other form of payment except for cash.Thankfully, when I was able to reach the owner via, an officer was present and also witnessed the telephone conversation. A criminal investigation was started against the owner for communicating threats and harassment. The officer will also serve as a witness in my criminal case against Mr. [redacted]Mr. [redacted] your attempts to intimidate me will prove to be fruitless, as you are not exempt from the law. Our neighborhood has started a petition to have your Tow Company removed from our property. I have also filed a complaint with the City of Durham against your company for the following towing ordinance violations: Violation (1): Sec.XX-XXXbTowing and storage fees for nonconsensual tows shall be payable by cash, debit card, and credit card-Roadside Towing and Recovery demanded a cash payment upon pick up of my vehicle, and refused to accept any other payment option.(a). A violation of section XX-XXX constitutes a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in section 1-9.(b). A violation of section XX-XXX shall also be subject the offender to a civil penalty of $200.00 for the first violation and $400.00 for the second and each subsequent violation.Violation (2): Pursuant to section XX-XXX, Part XX-XXX. Schedule of Other Nonconsensual Tow Fees: (Private Property Towing Fees Not Initiated by Police Department(c). Storage of vehicle $35.00 charge will apply after 8:00 a.m. the following day, then $35.00 each day thereafterShame on you Roadside Towing and Recovery for your unethical business practices and abysmal customer service! I will see you in Court!I appreciate the Revdex.com's effort in helping me resolve this matter.