Tow truck scams are a serious issue in Toronto, especially when drivers are already dealing with the stress of a breakdown or collision. We see these situations daily, and the pattern is clear: scams work because drivers are rushed, unsure of their rights, and pressured to act fast. This blog breaks down the most common tow truck scams in Toronto, explains how each one works, and shows you how to avoid getting caught in them.
Here are the most common tow truck scams in Toronto, which we will be covering:
- Towing your car without clear consent
- Hidden fees and inflated tow charges
- Holding your car in a storage yard to increase fees
- Being pushed into a specific repair shop
- False claims of police or insurance authorization
- Operating without proper certification
- Pressure tactics reported by other Toronto drivers
Scam #1: Towing Your Car Without Clear Consent
What Is It
This scam happens when a tow operator takes your vehicle without clear, informed consent. The driver may imply that the tow is required, rush you through paperwork, or proceed based on vague verbal approval. In some cases, the vehicle is already hooked up before you fully understand what is happening. Ontario law gives drivers important rights in these situations, including the right to consent and the right to choose a towing company in most cases, as explained in the Government of Ontario’s guide on knowing your rights when getting a tow.
Red Flags to Spot
A tow truck driver tells you the tow is mandatory without explaining why. Paperwork is presented quickly with little or no explanation. You are not clearly told where your car is being taken or what the tow will cost.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
Do not allow your vehicle to be towed until you clearly agree to the service. Ask who is towing your car, where it is going, and what the total cost will be. If you feel rushed, slow the process down and ask direct questions. In most Toronto towing situations, you have the right to choose both the company and the destination.
Scam #2: Hidden Fees and Inflated Tow Charges
What Is It
This scam starts with a low or vague price quote and ends with a much higher bill. After the tow is complete, extra charges appear, including hook-up fees, per-kilometre charges, administrative costs, or storage fees that were never discussed upfront. Ontario rules require transparency, but scammers rely on confusion to bypass that requirement.
Red Flags to Spot
Pricing is given verbally but not in writing. The tow operator avoids answering questions about the full cost. The invoice includes charges you were never told about or cannot clearly explain.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
Ask for written pricing before the tow begins and make sure the charges are itemized. Tow operators in Ontario are required to disclose rates and cannot mislead customers, as outlined in provincial towing consumer protections. If pricing is unclear or keeps changing, do not agree to the tow.
Scam #3: Holding Your Car in a Storage Yard to Increase Fees
What Is It
After towing your vehicle, the operator takes it to a private storage yard where daily fees accumulate quickly. Drivers are then told they cannot retrieve their car until all fees are paid, even if those fees are disputed. This tactic is designed to apply financial pressure at a time when drivers feel they have no leverage.
Red Flags to Spot
Your vehicle is taken to a yard you did not choose. You are not told the daily storage rate in advance. Access to your car is delayed or restricted unless payment is made.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
Confirm the destination before the tow begins and ask whether storage is required. If storage is involved, ask for the daily rate in writing. Retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to limit costs. If you believe the charges are unfair, you can file a complaint through Ontario’s consumer complaint process.
Scam #4: Being Pushed Into a Specific Repair Shop
What Is It
Some tow operators pressure drivers to send their vehicle to a specific body shop. This often benefits the tow operator through referral fees while removing the driver’s ability to compare options or control repair decisions.
Red Flags to Spot
You are told the shop will take care of everything. You are asked to sign repair authorization forms at the roadside. The tow operator discourages you from choosing another repair shop.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
You are not required to use any repair shop suggested by a tow operator. Choose your own repair facility and take time to review any documents before signing. Insurance companies support your right to choose, as explained in Aviva’s guide on how to protect yourself from predatory tow practices.
Scam #5: False Claims of Police or Insurance Authorization
What Is It
In this scam, a tow operator claims they were sent by police, the city, or your insurance company. The goal is to create authority and stop you from asking questions or seeking confirmation.
Red Flags to Spot
The driver claims official approval but cannot provide proof. You feel discouraged from calling your insurer or roadside provider. The tow truck arrived without you requesting one.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
Police and insurance companies rarely dispatch unsolicited tow trucks. If someone claims to be sent on your behalf, verify it by calling your insurer or roadside assistance provider directly. The Insurance Bureau of Canada explains what drivers should expect in its overview of hiring a tow truck in Ontario.
Scam #6: Operating Without Proper Certification
What Is It
Ontario requires tow and storage operators to be certified, but some scammers avoid sharing certification details or provide unclear documentation. This makes it difficult for drivers to confirm who they are dealing with and where to turn if something goes wrong.
Red Flags to Spot
No certification number on paperwork or the truck. The driver avoids questions about licensing. Documents look incomplete or confusing.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
Ask for the operator’s certification number and company name before agreeing to a tow. Certified operators are required to be transparent, as outlined by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario in its towing consumer guidance.
Scam #7: Pressure Tactics Reported by Other Toronto Drivers
What Is It
Many Toronto drivers share similar experiences online in Reddit threads, where people talk openly about what happened to them. These are not official reports, but they reveal repeating patterns of pressure, confusion, and high fees.
Red Flags to Spot
Drivers describe being rushed at accident scenes, having cars towed far away without consent, and facing extreme costs to retrieve their vehicles. The same tactics appear across many stories.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
Learn from these shared experiences by recognizing common warning signs. Reading firsthand accounts can help you spot problems early, such as those discussed in
AskTO discussions on tow truck issues and Reddit’s LegalAdviceCanada threads about towing disputes.
Cardinal Towing Can Help Tow Your Car
If you need a reliable tow in the Toronto area, we are here to help. We provide clear pricing, proper consent, and professional service whether you are broken down on the highway or stuck in the city. Contact us today to get help from a towing company you can trust.
