Tow truck company denies allegations it extorted thousands of dollars from drivers

Dozens of complaints have been made against a tow truck company after some people were allegedly forced to pay thousands of dollars to release their cars from a holding yard.

Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing Services have been accused of extorting drivers. Picture: Instagram

A Perth tow truck firm has denied allegations they extorted drivers by refusing to release their cars until they paid thousands of dollars.

WA’s Consumer Protection has warned Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing Services is believed to be misleading people, then asking them to sign non-disclosure agreements to have their vehicle released from their holding yard.

There have been 55 complaints made against the company — which is located in Landsdale, Canning Vale and O’Connor — since July last year.

One person was allegedly provided an invoice for $500 for towing, then was charged $2000 to retrieve the vehicle from the holding yard.

WA’s Consumer Protection has issued a warning about Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing Services. Picture: Instagram

Another driver in an accident was allegedly falsely told their insurance company would pay for the towing, then had to fork out $1250.

In some cases, where Specialized Towing had a dispute with an insurance company, consumers were allegedly refused access to their vehicle.

Consumer Protection has previously reminded Specialized Towing about their obligations.

Commissioner Trish Blake said the company’s “dominating behaviour” was “completely unfair”.

“Specialized Towing use their position of power when first at the scene to mislead consumers into entering towing contracts, where the vehicle must be towed to a Specialized Towing facility so holding fees can be charged,” she said.

“Many consumers have complained about how difficult it is for them and their insurance companies to retrieve their vehicle that was towed to a Specialized Towing holding yard, which leads to higher holding fees.

“They are then told they can only retrieve their car once a non-disclosure agreement is signed.

“People in a car accident or breakdown situation need to know they have the right to say no to the first tow truck that arrives at the scene and should call their car insurer, who will advise what to do or send out their own tow truck company.

“Consumers also have the right to stipulate where the car is towed – they don’t have to agree for it be taken back to the towing company’s holding yard.”

Police Commissioner Col Blanch says he is aware of the towing company. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, the towing company said it was disappointed with Consumer Protection and was obtaining legal advice.

“We strongly deny that Specialized has engaged in any of the conduct alleged in the statement,” the company said.

“In particular, at no time has Specialized misled, extorted or dominated any of its customers.

“Our priority has always been the safety and satisfaction of our customers, whilst ensuring roadways are cleared in a safe and timely manner.”

The company said it was also “very disappointed” that 55 complaints had been made to Consumer Protection, but added only one of them remained unresolved and it was working to conclude the matter.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch told 6PR radio he was aware of the company.

“When there is conduct that ... has the appearance of criminal matters and/or extortion and other things, that’s where police do get involved,” he said.

“We come at it also from a money laundering angle to see where that money is going and who’s earning that money.

“Watch this space.”