Deputies in West Hollywood recently stopped an unregistered tow truck that police say was hunting for victims at a traffic collision.
The truck had no company name or logo, and its registration had been expired since 2014.
Investigators found the driver carrying a police scanner, which authorities say operators use to monitor emergency communications and beat legitimate companies to crash scenes.
The suspect was arrested for illegal towing and possession of a police scanner.
The incident highlights a growing regional problem as hundreds of bandit companies patrol major freeways where crashes occur most frequently.
The operators allegedly target busy corridors, including the I-5, I-10, I-405, and US-101.
Police say these predatory trucks also target tourists who are unfamiliar with local towing rules.
Unsuspecting drivers often find their vehicles taken to hidden yards and held for ransom.
To combat the fraud, the CHP regularly launches joint task forces with local police to raid predatory yards across Southern California.
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair has also shut down local auto body shops over alleged partnerships with illegal tow trucks.
State lawmakers enacted Assembly Bill 1263 in 2023 to grant regulators increased authority to combat illegal towing storage fees.
Giving caution to drivers in the aftermath of a collision, the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station advised motorists to protect themselves.
“Only work with a tow company your insurance provider or the responding deputy recommends,” the station warned.
“Never let a truck take your vehicle if you didn’t call for it,” the deputies added.