ComplaintsforLJ's Towing

• Initial Complaint

  02/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted LJs towing last spring for their cash for clunkers program because I had a car that I was wanting to get rid of. They told me what they would give me and we agreed upon it so they sent a driver out to pick up the car and he paid me for it. Now six months later Im receiving notices in the mail from a credit collection agency trying to get $2380 from me from LJs towing. This is a fake charge we did a legitimate deal that was done a long time ago and I do not owe this money. This is a crooked a** business , Im not paying them a dime.

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  Hello, a quick search into my records shows that your vehicle was a 2006 *** X3, G78775(last 6 of vin), I looked into this and per my records your vehicle was towed on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 3:26 PM by the *********************** Code Enforcement. As for you saying we have done business previously through our Cash For Clunkers program, that is completely false. The only record we have of towing this vehicle was with the ****************** because it had been out of registration for nearly a year. The reason you would be receiving notices in the mail from a collection company is because you were a Release Of Liability with DMV and you never claimed your vehicle from our impound lot. Unclaimed vehicles get sent to collections to recoup any fees that accrued while in storage at the impound lot. Thanks

• Initial Complaint

  05/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a chance to speak to the tow guy who said that since I didn't have the cost for it being towed at that time I would have to pay for it tomorrow I ask him what would be the cost he said $290 for the tow and $70 for the next day $360 is what he said. So I went the next day and the lady working the front desk said there charging me $505 and what she said was a lie. What she said was that it took 2 hours from the time the dispatchedmade the call to the tow guy. And that is a lie it was only about 40 to 50 min if that so she's lying plus the tow man told me the price.

  Business response

  05/11/2023

  Hello, if this is in regards to the 2008 MB ML350 I have reviewed this case and I see your vehicle was towed on the morning of 4/24/23 for being abandoned on the side of the freeway. The representative had the option of paying for time spent and having ** drop the car for just the $290.00 tow that night. After we exited the freeway the representative failed to produce the corrects funds which meant the vehicle would go to the storage lot until the correct funds are produced. The vehicles representative asked the driver to give him a ride down the road which all adds to time spent on the tow. From my research it seems that you were told the proper amount at the time of tow. Towing for all rotation companies is on a PER hour basis and for the law enforcement agency's area you were in its $290.00 per hour. The tow itself took 1.5hrs as towing is portal to portal, which would make the tow $435.00, and every calendar day of storage $70.00, which would bring the total balance to $505.00. If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to reach out to our main office. Thanks

• Initial Complaint

  08/22/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  First I want to add we had all necessary paperwork and a Photo of ID on the phone that the police department used with no issues Due to the fact that we had receipts saying we already ordered a new ID we got a notice on our vehicle that it had to be moved or they would tow it by the seventh Mind you they towed it on Wednesday pretty sure thats passwe move the vehicle up more than one car length even you can see where the White arrow was from where the car previously had been when they tagged it but there was no arrow where they towed it from second we go to the office my husband lets them know that he's there to get a vehicle the gentleman at the desk tell Him its at dif location and then there was a gentleman in the back you could tell this was gonna be a whole thing not to mentionlook at all Of the other reviews associated with this company and they got they look very very unprofessional as far as apearence go I do not recommend anyone to use this company for any type of services I will also be filing a complaint with Sac PD about them using this tow company you know that its bad if theyre not associated with the Better Business Bureau whatsoever they dont approve them Im also going to be looking in how to file a personal complaint for the way that they treated me again standing alone in a parking lot by myself while this gentleman come speeding down and into a parking lot with a tow truck thats huge I felt extreamly frightened because the way that he pulled into the driveway he then blocked my husbands view to were he could not see me I did not feel safe what so ever round of applause to you sir ***** a big and bad. I now have to pay an additional 60$ a day that is just not right also have to pay to get a new release done after we add my name to the title. I get it everyone has a job to do but the way its done is how it matters no compassion what so ever all we wanted was to tow our car back home now Ill be looking into filing a small claim as well

  Business response

  08/23/2022

  On 8/17/2022 approximately 08:20hrs our company received a rotational call from the ********** ***************** to respond to ***********************************************. to remove and impound a **** **** Mustang Lic.#8WWT543 with the registered owner showing as a Krysten *********************************. This vehicle was towed for 22669(d) abandon with missing components as well as being previously tagged on 8/4/2022 that had not been moved according to the peace officer on scene. Upon my drivers arrival who noticed  the car having missing components as well as a steering ignition punch and peeled. The vehicle was then towed to our storage impound facility to be safely store until proper release documents was provided. 
             1) valid CDL or Identification present (NO COPIES)
             2) proper release documents from law enforcement agencies
             3) current registration and or moving permit

  On 8/19/2022 approximately 16:15hrs a couple showed up at storage facility to retrieve the said vehicle mention in this complaint. My yard manager at that facility who is a female  proceeded to ask the gentleman for his Identification, the gentleman responded saying he only had a copy of his ID on his phone which we do not accept copies and was denied the release. After that the couple got verbally abusive and demanding, my employee at that time fear for her safety locking the couple out of the office and called the main office for help. My office staff then called the police for help at that location and dispatched a driver to the storage facility to assist the female employee. Upon my driver arrival  as he backed into the driveway observed the couple banging on the window as he ask them to stop and leave our premises until the police arrived. The police arrived a few minutes later with no other incidents at that location and the driver was directed to bring said vehicle back to our main storage facility for safe keeping and proper release procedures.

  On 8/22/2022 approximately 16:15hrs  a couple showed up at our main facility for the said vehicle, which a female (Krysten *********************************) who produce a valid Identification Card, a proper release form from the police department and DMV incomplete registration card and moving permit that was all dated for the same date of 8/22/2022 which kind of indicates that they didn't have these documents on 8/19/2022 when they originally showed up. With that being said I'm attaching these documents to show the dates on them to prove when they was printed from DMV which the R/O also received a one day moving permit for the same day.

  I would like to also add that our company is a professional business that's been business for over 25 years and being one of the largest tow companies in the ********** area providing excellent services to multiple law enforcement agencies and to the public. It's never a happy moment for anyone to get their vehicle towed and usually is a inconvenience as well, but there are vehicle codes that we all have to abide too for no one are exempt from these laws.

   

  sincerely LJ's Tow Management

  Customer response

  08/24/2022

  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  
  

  This is incorrect information our car had a tag on it saying that it needed to removed with the Pictures that I have provided it shows where the white line was from where the car was sitting first and then I also where we had it moved up at least two Corrlinks the ignition is not punched out whatsoever the wiring is being redone the car is not abandoned and if the car is registered to meet at that address I'm not sure how it would be abandoned that way either my second problem with this responses that when we showed up to both facilities on the first date I did not get out of the car at all thing is though I had my two daughters and my dog into the side of my vehicle with me I did not approach the building until the second location and yes I did knock on the window because when I peaked into the window I could see that clearly someone was there because there was a purse on the desk and I had a couple questions about how I would go about getting the car out as far as adding my name onto the registration I had not spoken to anybody when the ***** driver pulled into the driveway the tow truck driver got out started making aggressive comments towards me I was standing there on FaceTime with a family member I was no longer knocking on the window this was after I called the mainline and I was told we are not dealing with you people and I've been said I had a couple of questions and I got a snarky remark which I just decided to disconnect and call 911 myself  while waiting for 911 the two tow truck drivers that did arrive came out of the building with the woman from inside and decided to antagonize us and talk c*** to us saying well they better get here in the next six minutes or nothings going to happen anyway and they thought the whole thing was funny and a joke they were laughing at us and antagonizing us because they had control over my vehicle not only that but I'm not sure how you guys believe to be one of the best tow companies in ********** ever last 25 years because your ****** reviews are 2.7 and all of the reviews on all platforms are the same about how you guys test people out don't give them their property back and treat them like c*** I didn't have to pay additional fees to get my vehicle out because you guys kept it over the weekend and you caused damage to my front bumper which I have proof of because I have photos of my vehicle that my bumper was not like that I have already called your office  yesterday Driver from Friday was helping another customer retrieve their belongings from a vehicle once he was walking back through the gate pushing the shopping cart he decided to engage with me sitting on the trailer that we were having difficulties with getting the car on and then even offer to do anything for me he said how is that going for you and the smartest attitude he could they would not give me an itemize list of what was in my vehicle so the response here is completely a lie because at no point other than on Monday we're both me and my husband inside of either one of those buildings together when police arrived they even tried to say on Friday if you guys could cut us a break because they excepted the release with the picture of the ** the picture documentation of the first certificate that he had and the copy from DMV saying he's ordered his ** and let's not failed to mention where when he called and spoke with you guys you guys were in the background saying things like oh on gang Pirus Crip Cuz this and that so I'm not really sure how you guys believe that this went down but your response to me is not what happened and I will not be excepting that I will be already filing a claim against you on any and every possible way that I can and I will be taking you guys to small claims court for the additional monies I had to spend I don't care even if I have to spend more to take you to court or not  and I would like a response about my bumper that you also damaged as well as there was only damage to one side of my car not that side front and driver side and I also have pictures of the vehicle hired you guys telling it to prove this As well as the attached photos to my initial complaint on this website where it shows where the white line was and where are you guys told my car from

  Business response

  08/25/2022

  Good afternoon ****************, Firstly, your complaint with why your vehicle was towed is with the ****************** and not with our company, I hope you can comprehend that and stop accusing us for picking up your disabled vehicle that was torn apart and had many pieces sitting loosely inside of it. Your vehicle would have not been towed by the city if it was not in violation of the city ordnance and we wouldn't be in this predicament. Second, the gentleman that was with you did not have proper identification and once again we wouldn't be in this predicament if he did, we are required by all police departments and rotations we contract with to have a valid CA drivers license or ID with a photo on it, anything else does not suffice. Third, you were not in your vehicle at the second yard, you were inside the office getting loud and disrespectful with the yard personnel for following her job duties that. We are sorry you feel that you deserve special treatment from everyone else, the erroneous statements you keep claiming are absurd. Fourth, your false damage claim, we have you on camera in front of our office with a truck and tilt trailer that took over a hour and half to load the disabled vehicle, and I personally watched as your people kept backing up to your car slamming into the underneath portion of your bumper as multiple people from your party raised there hands yelling for him to stop. Once again you wouldn't have that problem if you hired a professional driver to do the job. So if you want to go to small claims court be my guest, but sitting here slandering our company is wrong and won't get you anything.

  Have a nice day

  Management

  Customer response

  08/27/2022

  I am rejecting this response because: first of all you guys marked on your itemized receipt or whatever it is that you gave that the steering column was punched which it is not you can definitely put a key in my ignition no problem my husband was redoing the wiring secondly you may want to go ahead and rewind your cameras because on that Friday I was in the vehicle with my children I didn't even meet or see the woman until after your driver got there and pulled into the parking lot aggressively after he almost hit my truck with my two children in the end my dog then she came out when there was two more gentleman there I didn't even see her up until that point I did however stand out knocking on the window because I had some questions about how I would go about getting it out and how I would do it with my name but when I called I was told you would not deal with you people  even right now with the condescending way that you are typing out your response says a lot about you and don't think that I did not also file a complaint with the city I also bought a complaint with the ********** police department who will be contacting you guys as well I don't expect special treatment I understand that everybody has a job to do it's about how you do your job and you guys don't do a very good job that's why your ratings on ****** are 2.7. And when your employee did pull into the driveway at the tow yard off of ************** was on FaceTime with a family member standing in the only place there was shade seeing as it was hot out and as you saw in the very pale woman that was the first time I saw your female employee come out was after the two gentlemen came out and she let me know that she already called the police and I responded to her that's good I called to I then had to call the third time because the way that your gentleman employee was speaking to me my husband stayed at the truck the entire time once I got out of the truck he came to the truck and we switch places and I came to ask the questions that I had to ask but I guess people like me I'm not able to ask any type of questions  my husband did not even approach your tow truck drivers neither one of them the only person my husband spoke to was the female in the office which again I was not in that office and I was not in the first office the only office I was in at any point was on that Monday when I came in and actually got my car from you guys  I'm not sure why the police would tell you guys to move it to the other yard sing as a we were coming to get it out on Monday that doesn't really make any sense you guys cost me an additional $180 for a new release and you say that you're following police orders this and that we get the police gave us a police release with what my husband provided so that doesn't really make sense either . I'm also fine a complaint against whoever the parking enforcement officer was so it's not just you that I'm filing complaints against and if you guys are such a reputable company why are you not associated with BBB why are your reviews on every single platform say the same thing that you treat people the same way not even that when I spoke with the officer that took my complaint to have you taken off of their list this is not the first time that they've had this problem with you guys you guys are extremely unprofessional and snarky and think that for some reason that you want to tell her that you're better or something you guys are not understanding that it's about morals and having a heart your employee came down that road on ****** which is very narrow so fast in a tow truck and he made me feel very afraid and scared for myself  I was standing there alone I am not gonna just let this go I also have still yet to hear back from the manager from when I called **** on Tuesday about the damage that was done to my bumper because again my bumper was not falling off on the right hand side at all whatsoever the hood was not the car because you're able to take it on and off there's hooks that go to it  the car had the wiring being done and fixed they did not have my car when you pulled up and so didn't put it on your trailer did you see a tag because I should've there was not a tag because my niece had it the week before we moved it  as again I sent an attached to my original complaint where is the original white arrow was on the ground that parking enforcement put
  

  Business response

  09/01/2022

  Firstly your story in that one message changed several times from you sitting in a car with your children to standing in the shade to banging on my offices window to get someone's attention after they had locked out your very disrespectful associate to finally being alone and "scared". You and your associates had a horrible attitude from the first call we received. If you believe you deserve better treatment then you should follow the saying "it starts with you". As for the second release you acquired, we never told you to get another, and once a release is issued from the city they will not charge for another. As for the way we treated your vehicle I believe we went above and beyond with caring for your car. We moved it to another yard because of the safety of our employee that was treated so poorly, where as management is at our main yard, and on top of that we decided to store it in our indoor facility because the windows were down and did not want your vehicle to get ruined from the outside elements. We are a very reputable tow company with local law enforcement and only have problems when people do not get their way or a free handout. We follow all law enforcements rules to a T unlike many other companies and am very sorry if you didn't like going through proper procedure to pick your vehicle up. I would greatly appreciate it if you would stop wasting our time on here. Thanks, LJ's Management

• Initial Complaint

  01/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The owner cursed at me threatened to cause physical harm to me and refused to return my vehicle .

  Business response

  01/22/2022

  To BBB or to whom it concerns,

   

  To *************************** response on Jan. 21 , 2022 I'm kinda lost with the limited information that he provided in his complaint to our respectable business of 30 plus years with his erroneous statements. So after carefully researching this individual complaint against LJ's Towing,  I've come to the understanding that *************************** had made multiple calls to our office speaking to numerous different office personal in a rude and disrespectful manner with profanity leaving each office staff with no option but to end the conversation by ending his call. During this period of time the owner was in the office monitoring the situation which eventually lead him to speak with ***************************. At this time the owner told ******* that he wasn't going to allow him to speak to his office staff in the manner that he was doing and ask how he could help him. ******* still speaking in the same tone and disrespectful manner that he spoke to the previous office staff demanding the release of his vehicle, after the owner had finally got the vehicle information and realized that ******* wasn't the legal owner of what was recorded with DMV records, ******* was instructed to go to DMV and register the vehicle to his name so he could legally pick the said vehicle up and pay the appropriate impound fee's that was attached to said vehicle that would be the sole responsibility of the legal owner. This lead ******* to become more rude and become verbally abusive to the owner which at which time his phone call was terminated due to the verbal profanity which ******* choose to use. This individual was instructed in a civil manner in how to retrieve his vehicle if he chooses too. We are a professional business that expect customers to be professionals too when speaking to any of the LJ's Towing staff members. 

   

  Thanks From The LJ's Towing management team

• Initial Complaint

  01/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My **** ***** accord was towed on jan 8 2022 by the sac p.d *** towing was the company that towed my vehical. I would like to retrive my aftermarket subwoofer and amplifier that i installed in the vehicle. The law states that i can remove my "personal property" from my vehicle. And the definition of personal property is Any movable thing or intangible item of value that is capable of being owned by a person and not recognized as real property. The vehical did not come with the subwoofers and amplifier those are things that i bought and have receipts for which makes it my personal property. So i would like to get my property from my vehicle.

  Business response

  01/22/2022

  To BBB or who it concerns

  On or about on Jan. 8, 2022 around 19:45 hrs our company (LJ's Towing) responded to a ********** police ***** rotational tow @ the location of EB I-80 at Winter St. exit. Vehicle was impounded to the driver being arrested. The registered owner ************************* may retrieve and personal property that is not attached to the vehicle making it part of the vehicle, this means if it is bolted , wired or taped to any of the vehicle or its components makes it part of the vehicle and will not be detached from the vehicle until the impound fee's are paid. The registered owner may retrieve any personal property items that are not attached as in said manner such as tools , miscellaneous papers  or clothing. I do hope this explains ***************************** situation as we do hope he retrieves his vehicle and everything attached to it as this was already told to him by our office staff.

   

  Thanks per the LJ's Towing management team

  Customer response

  01/24/2022

  I am rejecting this response because:
  There is nothing in the state law stating that if it is bolted down or wired to the vehicle that it is part of the vehicle. If you can show me were it states that then this will be resolved.

  Business response

  01/25/2022

  To Whom it may concern,

  I beg the difference with ***************************** about his representation of what personal property is. This is no difference in taking stock rims off of a vehicle and replacing them with aftermarket rims which makes it part of the vehicle or a stock muffler and replacing it with a aftermarket muffler or putting tint on the windows. Once you affixed any of these things to a vehicle it makes it part of the vehicle therefore cant be removed until the fee's are paid in full. **************************** can have any of his personal property that's not affixed to the vehicle but if he insist on wanting the things that he has affixed to the car then he may contact the **************************** who authorize the towing and impound of his vehicle and discuss with the law agency enforcement what is and what is not personal property. Then they can instruct us the the correct procedure in this matter.

  Sincerely LJ's ************** Team
  

  Customer response

  01/25/2022

  ThiI am rejecting this response because:
  How would u disagree with my interpretation of personal property all you have to do us look it up in the dictionary and it clearly states that Definition of personal property
  : property other than real property consisting of things temporary or movable : CHATTELS
  
  California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH ********
  
  (c) Prior to paying any towing, recovery, or storage-related fees, a vehicle owner or his or her agent or a licensed repossessor shall, at any facility where the vehicle is being stored, have the right to all of the following:
  
  (1) Receive his or her personal property, at no charge, during normal business hours. Normal business hours for releasing collateral and personal property are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., inclusive, except state holidays.
  
  So like i said show me were its states whats ur saying in the law and we can resolve this matter
  
  And i all ready contacted sac p.d about this matter and they point the finger at you and now your telling me to go talk to sac p.d i will be contacting them once again.
  

  Business response

  01/26/2022

  To Whom it may concern,

  Once again I told the consumer if he disagrees with my interpretation of this matter then he needs to contact ********** ***************** and submit his complaint to them for all the tow companies are subject to the same rules and regulations per the agency rotational program or pay the fees on his vehicle to retrieved his vehicle. During our 30 plus years we have never allowed anyone to remove anything that been attached or affixed to the vehicle but are allowed to remove items that are not attached or affixed. I hope this has help the consumer to understand these simple procedures and this matter is closed for we have went above and beyond in explaining the simple procedures that he is requesting. 

   

  Thank you from the LJ's Towing management
  

  Customer response

  01/26/2022

  I am rejecting this response because:
  like i said im contacting the sac p.d about this
  your company is doing a lot of explaining with nothing to back it up with.

• Initial Complaint

  10/11/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  2 of my vehicles towed at same location. One a **** wrx and another that was being worked on a **** outback sport. I had pick n pull wanting outback sport and the wrx was having hoses replaced. Told it was due to an abandonment. I was there in person explaining that was false. Then they said they're dismantled. One was ready for sale to junk yard and wrx had all main components attached and only 2 hours left. Wrx was on stands and was told to remove them the tow was called and didnt want to accept explanation. After returned from grabbing **** i noticed both cars open and parts on cardboard were cleared. After stands removed i asked to retrieve property and i was denied tow. Upon release of wrx noticed half my parts and keys were missing with damage to oil pan and fender. I told them parts from wrx were placed in the wrong car. I was told theres no way of knowing. Said A married to ecu specific access port was also an item. Was told too bad even though i wanted my property at the tow.

  Business response

  10/25/2021

  Dear BBB,

  After carefully reviewing this complaint and figuring out which 2 cars these are without any info of the said vehicles, I've learn that the 2 vehicles was towed by the order of Sacramento County ***************** Services , The complainant issue is with them for we don't determine what vehicles get towed by there department. We just tow and store the vehicle then release it to the registered owner with proper documents that are required for the release. If vehicle is not picked up in the required amount of time then we dispose the vehicle with the provided documents ( junk slip ) given to us by the towing agency that authorized the tow. One of the vehicles was picked up by the Registered owner with the proper documents required, The 2nd vehicle could not be release to the same person for it was not registered to him nor did they have the appropriate documents for the release of it or for the property in it. We do not remove or place property from one vehicle to another nor was any damage done by our tow operator on theses 2 non-operable vehicles that was left abandon for 72 hours on the side of a public roadway.

   

  Thank you for your time in this matter

  LJ's towing Management Team

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩