Tow Company Seized Vehicles and Requested $15K for Their Return | Carscoops

      Los Angeles police have seized over 140 vehicles from a towing operation in Van Nuys, which was accused of illegally seizing cars and imposing excessive fees.

      One victim reported being asked to pay $15,000 for the return of their vehicle, according to the LAPD.

      The operation, which was taken down following numerous tips to the LAPD, CHP, and other agencies, resulted in the recovery and return of 145 vehicles.

      Many residents of Los Angeles have had their vehicles returned after authorities dismantled what was claimed to be an unlawful towing business. A coordinated effort by the LAPD, California Highway Patrol, and other organizations led to the recovery of more than 140 cars in Van Nuys.

      Officials disclosed that they had received multiple tips regarding the company's illicit practices, which included deceiving motorists into permitting them to tow their vehicles following minor accidents. In certain situations, the truck operators would arrange for someone to pose as a witness to an incident, allowing them to exchange contact information with the driver of the damaged car. Subsequently, the driver would receive a text message claiming their insurance company had authorized the towing company to take their vehicle.

      Reports indicate that when drivers contacted the company to retrieve their cars, they encountered exorbitant towing charges inflated by various illegal fees. In one notorious case, a victim was demanded to pay up to $15,000 just to reclaim their car, as reported by the investigating officers with a warrant to search two locations operated by Legend Auto.

      In one scenario, a driver declined a tow from a Legend operator at the scene of a minor accident, drove her vehicle home, and arranged for a tow through her insurance company, but a driver from the company allegedly took her vehicle from her residence.

      “That was a clear case of grand theft auto,” stated LAPD Lt. Laurel Friedlander during a press conference regarding the operation's dismantling.

      In response to ABC7's inquiries, a manager from Legend Enterprise claimed that the company also felt victimized, but acknowledged the need to better vet its tow truck drivers. The LAPD advises that if a tow truck arrives without your request, it is likely a scam.

      “Unless a police officer is on-site and requests a tow truck for you, you have the right to select which tow operator can remove your vehicle from that location,” remarked Lt. Joe Dominguez of the CHP to ABC7.