Tow Truck Scams: Autocricket.com Offers Tips to Avoid Roadside Fraud

Autocricket.com reaches out to its consumers in hopes to help drivers avoid tow truck scams.

West Palm Beach, FL (January 24th, 2011) - Autocricket.com, an online automotive insurance quote company, cautions drivers due to the increased percentage of fraudulent tow truck companies charging obscene amounts of money for services.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 103% increase in referrals relating to towing and storage fees in 2010. Towing-related scams, referred to as Bandit Tow Truck scams by insurers, are on a rise across the country, costing drivers thousands of unnecessary dollars.

Autocricket.com warns drivers to take caution when in need of roadside assistance. Many incidents that put drivers on the side of the roads are unexpected, causing drivers to take immediate action to resolve the situations. Fraudulent tow truck companies are looking for these stranded drivers and offer then quick service at an inflated rate, some as high as $1,500 for a simple flat tire.

Tow truck scams may be avoided with some proper knowledge. Autocricket.com offers tips to avoid roadside fraud and the high costs associated with the scams.

  • Contact your insurance company about roadside assistance programs to avoid future scams or search on Autocricket.com for insurance providers who offer such services.
  • Do not provide your personal insurance information to a tow truck driver.
  • Do not allow a tow truck company to bring your vehicle to any other location other than your home or your choice of an automotive mechanic repair shop to avoid any additional storage fees.
  • Use your insurance providers approved list of tow truck companies or contact your local AAA company.
  • Ask for a breakdown of the cost for towing before the vehicle is towed and only sign the detailed receipt, acknowledging the cost of the tow.
  • Only use tow truck companies if you have contacted them or they have been contacted by law enforcement. Tow truck companies looking to scam drivers, search for people in need, charging them high costs after they have been towed.
  • Study the signage on the tow truck and make sure the logos and advertisements match up to what you know.

Follow Autocricket.com on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to receive more driving tips.

» Download the full press release here for full details in PDF format

Autocricket.com

Autocricket.com is a multifaceted company with a consumer-friendly interface enabling consumers to meet all of their automotive needs. The simple forms with drop down menus and self-generated answers have made searching for automotive insurance and new vehicle prices easier for consumers. Autocricket.com strives to provide a simple solution for those who have automotive needs, whether it is to search, finance or insure.

About BDD Marketing and Management

BDD Marketing and Management is a full service company. Founded on a deep value system and backed by a highly motivated staff, BDD is a breakout company with a fully customizable menu of business options to fit every need. To get to know BDD Marketing and Management better please go to www.BDDCorporation.com.

For more information on Autocricket.com contact Ashley Emery of BDD Corporation at 561.845.2463.