Tag Towing Towing Predators! Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Tag Towing Consumer Complaint:

On the evening of Monday, August 7 2017, I visited a friend at their residence (Pittsburgh, PA 15236 – Residences of South Hills). Upon arrival at approximately 21:30, I found there to be street parking which was fairly full and several “Permit Only” and “Private” lots. I then saw a lot at the front of the apartment complex that had no signage that it required a permit to park there or that it was considered to be private parking. I searched the perimeter and there was no sign at the entrance of the community, at the entrance of the parking lot, or anywhere in the parking lot. The lot was not close to capacity (at about 55%) and I was not parked in any illegal mannor (Ex: handicap spots or unmarked spaces or blocking another vehicle in). Upon returning to the lot 4 hours later (August 8^th 2017 at 01:30), I found my car to be missing. I immediately searched the perimeter of the parking lot again, fearing that I may have missed a sign. I found absolutely none.

At that point, I thought my car had been stolen and called 911, because surely I would not be able to be towed from a lot that had absolutely no signs indicating that it was private. As I walked the perimeter of the lot in search of a sign with a towing company, I began calling 911. As I began explaining my situation to the 911 operator, I saw a passing police vehicle. I waived him down and he let me know that my vehicle was most likely towed and gave me the name of the local towing company that monitors the area (Tag Towing).

I called the company and asked if they happened to have my vehicle in which they said that they did. I asked how much it would be to get my vehicle out and he told me that it would be $220. I asked if I had been reported by someone and he responded that they monitor the area. I let him know that there was no sign, he rudely argued with me and assured me that there was and even if there was not, he could have me towed anyway because it was private. I explained again that this parking lot was not marked or indicated in any way that it was “Private”. I asked for his and the owners name, which he refused to give. I was told that I was not able to retrieve my vehicle until 10am the next day (the morning of Tuesday August 8^th 2017). Since I could not retrieve my vehicle until the next day, I was forced to stay an hour away from my home and miss work that morning. When I called at 10 am, they gave me the location of my vehicle (5945 Buttermilk Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15207). I arrived at the site and paid the amount that they required for me to take my vehicle ($220) without question, due to being in fear that he would raise the cost for me to get my vehicle for back challenging him since he seemed very rude and unprofessional on the phone.

I contacted the company again on Thursday, August 17^th 2017 and asked to speak with the owner. It was the same person that I talked to the night of the tow. He again, would not give his name when I requested it. I explained the situation and that I would like the amount refunded since I was towed in error. I let him know that before I took legal action and contacted the local news station, I wanted to give them the chance to do what was right. I let them know that I would be more than happy to come out and show him a copy of any photos, or even visit the parking lot with him. He became extremely rude with me and told me to go waste my time and money. He hung up the phone on me and would not answer when I attempted a few more times.

Had there been a sign in the lot that I parked in informing me that it was a “Private Lot” or that there was a “Permit Required”, I would not have parked there. If I had due to missing a sign, I would take full responsibility and not file a complaint. However, this was completely unjustified and unprofessional. My experience with this company was unbelievable and this should be illegal. Based on reviews that I’ve ssen, this company has a terrible reputation and seems to do this kind of thing fairly often. I believe something needs done. Our city cannot continue to let towing companies like these take our vehicles illegitimately, over charge their services, and treat people with such disrespect.