An investigation in Van Nuys, CA, uncovered a predatory towing operation that allegedly targeted hundreds of drivers with deceptive practices. More than 140 vehicles have been recovered from the lot of Legend Auto, a towing business accused of engaging in “bandit towing,” a term used for unethical towing practices that exploit vulnerable drivers involved in minor traffic incidents.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) served search warrants at two locations associated with Legend Auto after receiving numerous complaints from citizens about suspicious towing activities. The investigation revealed a pattern of illegal towing, where drivers were approached by individuals claiming to be witnesses to their accidents. These individuals reportedly used photographs and videos of the incidents to convince drivers that their vehicles would be towed to Legend Auto by their insurance company.
Lt. Laurel Friedlander of the LAPD told NBC4 News how victims were misled into signing tow agreements under the false belief that the towing arrangements were made through their own insurance providers. In many cases, once the drivers arrived at the towing location, they were presented with inflated invoices containing illegal fees, often ranging between $7,000 and $15,000.
One disturbing instance involved a driver who explicitly refused the towing service but found her vehicle removed from her residence and transported to Legend Auto. The towing company allegedly held the car hostage, demanding full payment before releasing it back to the owner. Friedlander described this act as a clear case of "grand theft auto."
Towing and storage fees charged by Legend Auto have drawn sharp criticism. Many victims were unaware of the exorbitant charges until they arrived at the location to retrieve their vehicles. Some drivers faced exorbitant storage and towing costs, often far exceeding what would typically be expected for a minor accident.
While the practice of predatory towing is not new, this recent operation serves as a reminder for drivers to be vigilant. Lt. Joe Dominguez of the CHP cautioned that drivers should be particularly wary of tow operators unless a police officer has specifically called for the tow.
"If you did not call the tow truck to the location, you are highly likely to be a potential victim of an illegal tow operation," Dominguez advised. "Unless a police officer requests the tow for you, you are within your rights to choose the tow operator."
The investigation, which is ongoing, has not yet led to arrests, but LAPD detectives expect further arrests as the case progresses. Authorities have also hinted at possible involvement from local repair facilities that may have been complicit in the illegal towing activities.
In the meantime, some of the recovered vehicles have been returned to their rightful owners, though many are still tied up in the legal proceedings.
