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HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST PREDATORY TOWING PRACTICES
The past several years have seen a dramatic increase in the predatory practices of unscrupulous operators in the towing and recovery industry in Alberta. Recent attempts to combat this behavior were initiated by Law Enforcement resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of vehicles used in conjunction with these activities. However after the extensive efforts of Police, The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service declined to proceed with the prosecution of those who had been arrested. All charges were subsequently dropped and the seized vehicles returned to the alleged offenders. Following the failure of the Province of Alberta to prosecute those responsible for their blatant predatory behavior and the return of the seized vehicles, their actions have accelerated to never before seen levels.
Predatory tow companies fraudulently bill insurance companies for services that are not provided and charge inflated amounts averaging between $4,000 and $6,000 for basic collision tows.
On August 08, 2025 the Alberta Government amended The Traffic Safety Act that created an exclusion zone around a collision scene and making it an offence for tow truck operators to come within 200-metres unless requested by Police or vehicle drivers.
Violation of the new law carries a $1,000 fine.
Those involved in predatory towing are now employing other tactics to circumvent the new law by using dozens of "scouts" who patrol streets and highways in search of recent collisions. They will stop and approach those involved pretending to be a good samaritan offering to help and eventually stating they know someone who can assist by attending and towing their vehicle. Another ploy is someone stopping claiming to be a "mechanic" offering to help by contacting someone they know that can provide the required towing services.
These "scouts" or "mechanics" receive a commission or finders fee between
$500 to $1,000 for every tow service they secure for a predatory tower. These amounts are then added to other inflated charges applied against the services.
Here are some of the things to watch for and be aware of to protect
against these predators:
- vehicles that appear to be nothing more than a pick-up truck but have a hidden towing device (see photos - some predators have regular looking tow trucks)
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a red Jeep Grand Cherokee with numerous strobe lights claiming to be a "mechanic" (see photo of actual vehicle)
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pressure tactics to have your vehicle moved quickly as it's blocking traffic or creating a hazard (if Public Safety is a concern, dial 911 explain the situation and request traffic control from Police or Fire while you contact your own tow)
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offer of cash to be allowed to provide required towing services (Acceptance may be party to an offence if later proven to be part of a conspiracy to commit insurance fraud)
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someone who stops to help and attempts to discourage you from notifying the Police if you believe the other party in the accident is impaired, has an issue with their driver license or some other issue that requires Police involvement. (If you believe Police should be involved in the incident you have every right to contact them and should not be intimidated by agents of the Predators.)
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if possible & only if safe to do so, record interactions of anyone offering to assist you by contacting a tow service on your behalf including videos or photos of the person and the vehicles they may be operating including license plates
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED BY A PREDATORY TOWER
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FILE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT AGAINST A BUSINESS - you can file a complaint against a business, or a person running a business, for an unfair business transaction. SERVICE ALBERTA'S CONSUMER INVESTIGATIONS UNIT investigates potential violations of consumer protection laws. (See link below)
https://www.alberta.ca/consumer-protection-complaints
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FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU - facilitates the resolution of disputes between consumers and businesses. Sets ethical standards for marketplace trust, aiming to support good behavior and deter bad practices by grading businesses based on ethics, customer service, and compaint handling. (See link below)
https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint
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FILE A POLICE REPORT/COMPAINT - if the service resulted from services requested by a law enforcement agency (either for a Police investigated matter or merely a courtesy call, file a report or complaint with that agency)
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ONLINE REVIEWS - post an online review of your experience that can act as a warning to others to beware of bad practices (E.g. - GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE, YELP, FACEBOOK, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, TRUSTPILOT)
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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE TOWING & RECOVERY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA - while we are not a regulatory body, we may be able to assist with recommendations of how to handle your experience. Information can be sent to: info.traa@gmail.com
January 21, 2026 UPDATE:
CALGARY POLICE SERVICE is fighting to combat the actions of PREDATORS (open the link below to learn more)
https://newsroom.calgary.ca/tow-truck-company-owner-charged-with-fraud/
January 29, 2026 UPDATE:
CRACKING DOWN ON PREDATORY TOWING
Today the Alberta Government, in action designed to combat Predatory Towing, announced new requirements for all towing operations effective April 01, 2026. The input of The Towing & Recovery Association of Alberta was instrumental in contributing to the shaping of these requirements that strengthen consumer protections and deter unethical and predatory practices that cast a negative image on the entire vehicle towing and storage industry.
These new requirements come with significant penalties ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, or up to two years in jail under The Consumers Protection Act. In today's news conference, Minister of Service Alberta & Red Tape Reduction - Dale NALLY is quoted as stating; "I THINK WE'RE GOING TO PUT THESE BAD ACTORS OUT OF BUSINESS PRETTY QUICKLY".
The new regulations should not be of any great concern to legitimate and professional Towing and Recovery operations in Alberta. While several new requirements are included, our Association is working to develop suggestions of how to handle these items in a seamless and timely manner.
Attached is a transcript of today's news release outlining the new requirements under The Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulation. It's important to note that these requirements are not applicable where towing occurs at the direction of law enforcement, municipal parking enforcement or at the direction of a property owner when a vehicle has been left on their property.
As mentioned above, our Association will be working on suggestions to comply with the requirements and we will be sharing further information prior to the regulations taking effect on April 01, 2026. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions you wish to share please reach out us at: info.traa@gmail.com
Today's announcement with the input of our Association in its inception is another example of how a professional organization representing the Towing and Recovery industry can benefit not only its members but also the motoring public. Please consider making 2026 the year you become a part of our ongoing and continuous efforts to make our industry stronger and more professional. Our current annual corporate membership fee is $300 or just 83 cents a day to CONNECT, ADVOCATE and LEAD and ensure that your voice is among those heard and your interests are represented. Enrollment is simple and can be completed under the Membership tab on our website: towingalberta.com
News release
Cracking down on predatory towing
Jan. 29, 2026
New requirements for tow truck drivers are coming into effect to curb predatory practices and ensure fair, transparent services for Alberta drivers.
Alberta’s government will be implementing additional rules that establish a clear, provincewide standard for towing and storage operators, strengthening consumer protections and holding dishonest operators accountable.
Effective April 1, tow truck drivers will now be required to clearly communicate all towing and storage costs and obtain consent before towing begins. Violators of these new rules can face penalties ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, or up to two years in jail.
“Predatory towing practices are unacceptable. These new rules send a clear message that operators who take advantage of Albertans in their time of need will be held accountable. Alberta drivers deserve confidence that when their vehicle needs to be towed, they will be treated fairly, consistently, and with full transparency.”
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
The new rules will empower Albertans to better understand their rights before and after receiving towing services. By establishing a consistent, provincial response to predatory towing practices, these changes will help boost confidence in the marketplace. While consent is generally required, exceptions apply when towing occurs at the direction of law enforcement, a property owner, or another government authority.
“The EPS welcomes regulations that set clear province-wide rules to protect drivers and impose penalties on violators. As the EPS continues to focus on traffic safety, we agree with a process for towing that prioritizes fairness, consistency and safety on our roadways.”
Supt. Angela Kemp, Edmonton Police Service’s Operational Support Division
“AMA welcomes these new actions to strengthen consumer protection in Alberta’s towing industry. Predatory towing practices that take advantage of Albertans in stressful situations have no place in our province, and clearer rules will help ensure people can feel confident they’ll be treated fairly when they need a tow. These changes also support the many reputable towing operators who already uphold high standards of service across Alberta.”
Michelle Chimko, President and CEO, Alberta Motor Association
These protections build on measures introduced in August 2025 and follow extensive engagement with industry, law enforcement, and consumer advocates to address concerns about unethical practices, excessive fees, and lack of transparency in the towing sector.
Quick Facts
• The Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulation establishes clear requirements for towing and storage businesses, including:
o Obtaining consumer consent before towing begins, except when directed by law enforcement or a government authority.
o Providing written estimates of all towing and storage costs before a vehicle is towed.
o Ensuring consumers have access to their vehicles and personal belongings at no charge.
o Requiring invoices with itemized costs and full details of services provided.
o Mandating the use of the most direct route for towing
o Providing notification if a vehicle is moved.
o Maintaining records of all services and consent obtained.
o Establishing exemptions in situations when towing occurs at the direction of law enforcement, for municipal parking enforcement, or at the direction of a property owner when a vehicle has been left on their property.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION