Towing scams are surging across the U.S. - and one NYC case shows just how brazen these companies have become

"Michael Medved described how his car just disappeared one day. After weeks of searching and filing a claim for a stolen vehicle, he learned Clutch Towing had taken his car and he owed $1,660."

"The City of New York's 311 portal has posts about Clutch Towing, stating they overcharged New Yorkers for towing and storage, and are helping people get their money back."

"DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine stated that if companies agree to follow the law after a settlement, they must adhere to those regulations, emphasizing the importance of compliance."

"Protocols exist for towing companies to prevent issues like missing cars, requiring police to issue a ticket before a towing company can take a vehicle from a public street."

Michael Medved, a victim of Clutch Towing in Brooklyn, discovered his car missing and later learned it was towed without proper notification. After weeks of searching, he was charged $1,660 for towing and storage fees. Despite a settlement with the city for overcharging, Clutch Towing remains operational. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection emphasizes the need for compliance with the law by towing companies. Protocols exist to prevent unauthorized towing, but issues persist, affecting many New Yorkers.

Read at Moneywise