QLD Car Towed - Paid to Get It Back

[kate1234]

Hi everyone,

It appears the same thing has happened to me in West End this morning. I work in West End in an office complex - I was running a little late for work, so I stopped quickly in the office complex next door (where there were about 10+ parks) to grab a coffee. The only reason I stopped here is because the coffee shop is less than 10m away, and I knew I would only be 2 minutes as it was not busy. I would then proceed to drive and park in my spot at my work.

I left my car at 8:55am, walked back at 8:56am to find the tow truck reversing near my car. They then went to hook my car, but I asked them to stop as I was at my car and they had not even lifted it. These two men (very much bullies) then proceeded to tell me 'the job had been lodged', 'They would get into big trouble if they didn't take the car', 'There's not much they can do apart from taking the car'.

I begged with them to let me take it, as it was still on the spot. After about 5 minutes of shameless begging, I felt like I needed to give in. (Please keep in mind I'm 21, blonde, small - I felt incredibly intimated). I asked how much they would charge me if they didn't take my car, and if I paid right there and then. The guy then told me he would take $440 at the absolute minimum, which I kept asking if he would lower as the car was even towed yet.

I needed to get to work by 9:00am, and at this stage it was about 9:05am - so I paid the man. ($40 via cash, $400 via EFTPOS machine). They gave me an invoice for only the $400 paid via card - nothing about the cash. I'm guessing they kept this for themselves. They said that they saw me come in, were waiting across the street and came immediately once I had parked.

Is there anything I can do to dispute this? Technically, they hadn't towed my car. I would have felt happier paying the money if it went to a car yard, to be honest. This really felt like daylight robbery.

 

[Rod]

Too late now, but best course of action would have been to get in the car, lock the doors and call the police.

This really felt like daylight robbery.

It is. Put a stop on the CC charge. Dispute it with your bank. The payment was made under the threat of physical duress. If the bank refuses at the first attempt, escalate to a bank manager. If that fails then you will have to go to court. You will likely win at court, but then you will more than likely have the problem of getting the money. Some people will ignore court orders.

 

[James411]

A similar thing just happened to me. Hayden, please contact me if you are progressing with your intended action.

 

[citizen]

Hi all,

I have this tow truck operator's details. I assure you that I am seeking the same outcome as all of you. I am unable to post these details publicly. He needs to go to prison.

 

[bob289]

Citzien,

We all know who it is, the same company with the same tactics.

I think the best course of action is that everybody puts their email addresses down and we create a group email with updates. I am prepared to take the matter as far as it can go and I have great resources to help with the process.

I think it would be a great idea to get the media involved.

 

[bob289]

Good Afternoon,

Has anybody progressed further with this matter?

 

[Locco]

Hello, everyone.

I got towed last night at Newstead. Office building obviously long closed for the weekend. The car park was empty (I now know why). Got back to an empty space and Cactus stings me with $660. I know I was in the wrong, but seriously $660. There must be some cap on charges.

I would love to be involved in helping everyone claw a little cash back from these Profiteers. Please let me know when any official action is being taken and how I can join.

 

[myra]

Citzien,

We all know who it is, the same company with the same tactics.

I think the best course of action is that everybody puts their email addresses down and we create a group email with updates. I am prepared to take the matter as far as it can go and I have great resources to help with the process.

I think it would be a great idea to get the media involved.

He also owns other towing companies in different names........

 

[rocky877]

Hi, everyone.

Detailing this correspondence between ourselves we need to be of the utmost carefulness that we don't prejudice any actions that can be taken or open anyone to potential defamation lawsuits. As someone who has personally dealt with the owner of Cactus Towing, I am well aware of the business practises that they have deployed which will be the subject of a number of applications I am making before the courts and hence it is not wise to comment on such matters within a public forum.

As this is a public forum I am at odds to discuss the full extent of the business practises that I have been made aware of, however, I can personally assure you that such practises have a clear and actionable cause and nothing would bring me a greater degree of joy then to, at my own cost and time, seek to stand up for people that have been unfairly dealt with. At the very least, I will be seeking that the towing fees incurred by parties (where the court deem they are an unreasonable penalty) are refunded.

Please remember that we must maintain the highest morale standard when dealing with these allegations with the golden rule "if my actions were to make the front page of the newspaper would I be ashamed" a great litmus test. I can personally assure each and every one of you that I will get a win on this one and would be more than pleased to help other people that have been affected by the alleged conduct.

Thanks

My new Merc was towed yesterday at West End Brisbane. Parked in the wrong spot, my fault. No issue, there. However, the scumbags (we know which company) damaged my car. They also threatened me, forced me to pay.

I have gone to the police and asked my bank to reverse the transaction. Car damage - $2500.

 

[WellJ]

Have had a very similar experience to all on here. More than happy to help/ assist where possible.

Otherwise, I am thinking of entering the towing industry. Don't think I've heard of a much easier way to make $550.