More than 140 cars belonging to over 100 drivers were recovered from a Van Nuys business that was accused of impounding the vehicles through predatory tow practices, also known as “bandit” towing, Los Angeles and state officials announced Tuesday.
At the center of the investigation is Legends Auto (also known as Legends, Inc.) based in Van Nuys as investigators served a search warrant at two locations after “numerous” citizen complaints of predatory towing, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Predatory towing typically begins when a driver is involved in a minor traffic collision then approached by an alleged witness, claiming to have photos and videos of the accident to obtain the driver’s phone number. Shortly after, the victim receives a misleading text message from an apparent insurance company, saying a tow truck will take the damaged vehicle to Legends Auto, according to Lt. Laurel Friedlander…