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…