Harris Towing

The Classic Unauthorized Tow

You park your car in what looks like a safe area—maybe outside a restaurant, a shopping center, or near your apartment. A few hours later, you return to find your vehicle gone. You assume it’s stolen, only to later discover it was towed. But here’s the catch: there were no signs, or the signage was unclear or hidden. Now your vehicle is impounded, and the fees are outrageous.

What to do:

• Always check for visible, legible signage before parking—especially in lots you’re unfamiliar with.
  
• If your vehicle is towed, ask for written proof of the violation, including the tow company’s name and authorization from the property owner.
  
• Don’t pay until you verify the legitimacy of the tow and the company.

The Impound Fee Trap

Some unethical tow companies charge excessive impound, storage, or “release” fees. In many cases, they intentionally delay the process—keeping your vehicle just long enough to rack up extra charges.

How to protect yourself:

• Ask for a detailed invoice that outlines all charges.
  
• Know your rights: in most states, tow and impound fees are regulated by local laws.
  
• Don’t be afraid to call local law enforcement or your city’s consumer protection agency to confirm fee legality.

The Fake “Helpful Stranger”

You’ve broken down on the highway or a remote road. Before you even have time to call for roadside assistance, a tow truck suddenly appears—like they knew you were in trouble. The driver offers to help, saying you’ll settle the bill later. It sounds like a lifesaver at first… until the final bill shows up with astronomical towing fees or your car is taken to a shady lot miles away.

This is one of the most common towing scams—and one of the easiest to avoid.

What you should do:

• Never allow a tow truck to take your car unless you or your insurance provider called them directly.
  
• Ask for proper identification and the name of the company.
  
• If you didn’t call them, politely decline and contact your own trusted towing service.

Inflated Rates After the Fact

Some towing companies give you a verbal quote over the phone—let’s say $100 for a short tow—and you agree. But after your car is loaded up and taken to its destination, the driver hands you a bill for $400. When questioned, they mention “hidden” costs like hookup fees, mileage overcharges, or emergency service surcharges.

Avoiding this bait-and-switch tactic:

• Always get the quote in writing or ask them to text/email it before agreeing.
  
• Clarify exactly what is included: mileage, hookup, after-hours charges, etc.
  
• Reputable companies will have clear and upfront pricing. If someone is vague, walk away.

The Damage Denial

You trust the towing company, only to discover later that your bumper is scratched, your wheels are bent, or worse—your undercarriage is damaged. When you call to file a complaint, the company denies all responsibility, claiming the damage was “already there.”

How to protect your vehicle:

• Before the tow begins, take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles.
  
• Ask the driver to do a walk-around inspection with you and document any pre-existing damage.
  
• Reputable companies will also log the condition of the vehicle before towing.

Towing Companies That Impersonate Insurance Providers

Some scam artists go so far as to pose as reps from your insurance company or roadside assistance program. They might get your info from a nearby “good Samaritan” or public forums. Then they send their own tow truck—not affiliated with your actual provider—and bill you directly.

Red flags to watch for:

• Always call your insurer or roadside provider directly using the number on your policy card—not a number given to you by a stranger or by a third party.
  
• Confirm the name and plate number of the truck being dispatched.
  
• If the truck that shows up doesn’t match, don’t let them take your car.

The Storage Scheme

After your car is towed, the company takes it to a distant or unlicensed lot and refuses to release it until you pay exorbitant storage fees. Sometimes, they even delay returning your car by claiming they’re “waiting for authorization” or “paperwork.”

Avoid falling into this trap:

• Use only licensed, insured, and reviewed towing providers.
  
• Ask where your car is being taken before it’s towed.
  
• Once again, take pictures, ask questions, and document everything.

What Makes a Towing Service Trustworthy?

At Harris Towing Services, we understand how frustrating it is to deal with unexpected car trouble, and we believe the last thing you should worry about is being scammed. Here’s what you can expect from a reputable, community-rooted towing service like ours:

• Transparency: We give clear, upfront pricing—no hidden charges.
  
• Availability: We’re available 24/7 for towing, jumpstarts, lockouts, hauling, and more.
  
• Professionalism: Our team is trained, certified, and background-checked.
  
• Local Knowledge: With deep roots in Dover and surrounding communities, we’re familiar with the regulations and roads.
  
• Veteran Values: Founded by a mechanic and veteran from Dover AFB, we operate with integrity, discipline, and respect.

Staying Safe When You Need Help the Most

If your car breaks down on the side of the road, your mind is racing: How do I get home? Will my car be safe? What’s this going to cost me? That’s exactly the moment when scammers try to take advantage. But a few smart actions can go a long way:

• Stay calm and in your car if it’s safe to do so.
  
• Call a trusted towing service directly—don’t rely on whoever shows up first.
  
• Let a friend or family member know where you are and whom you called.
  
• Ask questions. Get receipts. Keep documentation.
  

Whether you’re a student new to town, a local family juggling errands, or a service member stationed at Dover, you deserve fair, fast, and honest roadside assistance.

If you’re ever in doubt or find yourself in need of help, Harris Towing Services is just a phone call away. Backed by 20+ years of experience, family values, and 24/7 availability, we’re proud to serve the Dover community with towing and roadside assistance that’s built on trust.

Don’t let a breakdown turn into a scam. Contact Harris Towing Services now and let a team that truly cares get you safely back on the road.