Investigators executed a search warrant at a tow company in Orono and seized three vehicles in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act.
The DRPS had received numerous complaints from motorists who said they were charged exorbitant fees for towing their vehicles after collisions. The vehicles were being held unlawfully at Ultimate Towing on Hwy 115/35 in Orono.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, investigators attended the premise under the strength of a Criminal Code search warrant and seized three vehicles. A number of charges under the Consumer Protection Act were laid against Ultimate Towing and other involved tow operators.
To protect yourself, Durham Regional Police offer the following tips:
• Know what your insurance policy covers. See if you have roadside assistance coverage and what the limits are. If you’ve been in a collision, find out how your car insurance company handles towing and how much your insurer will cover.
• Don’t let a towing operator take your vehicle until you view a Government of Ontario Towing Consumer Bill of Rights. You should be shown a towing and storage rate sheet listing towing fees, daily storage fees (if any), and all other miscellaneous charges.
• You should be given a copy of an ‘Authorization to Tow’ form that includes where your vehicle will be towed to, as well as the driver’s name and contact information.
• Make sure that the company name on the tow truck matches the documentation ?and do not agree to a demand for a cash payment to release your vehicle without consulting your insurance company first.
• Do not give out your insurance information. Some fraudulent tow operators use this information for additional scams, like calling the victim and pretending to be their insurer or providing it to a health practitioner.
• If you suspect fraud or if the tow truck driver refuses to leave, call the police.
You may also want to refer to these Provincial links for tips and advice for towing.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-towed-storage-lot
https://www.moresafetows.ca/
For more information about this investigation, please contact Cst. Hood at Central East Diviision Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5100.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
