Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  02/12/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  One of my trucks was parked at an outlet mall at *********/**********. Pb&j towed the truck. They told my driver they do not have to let anyone know they tow it. They charged $930 for ************************************************************************************* writing. Class C towing is Max $430/hr in Tn but pb&j refuses to acknowledge any wrong doing and will not release my truck. When i drove by their lot, my truck wasnt there. The woman on the phone says they towed it and for us to get anymore information we have to pay the fee.

  Business response

  02/27/2025

  Thank you for reaching out to the BBB. I would like to help you with your complaint. Can you provide the make, model & last 6 of the vin number of the vehicle in question?

• Initial Complaint

  01/10/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I got a tow sticker saying my tags was expired I went and got a new temp tag from dealer who I brought car from and put it on pb&j still came and took my car from me and now telling me I have to pay 225$ to get it back

  Business response

  01/26/2025

  I would love to help you out. Can you please provide information on what kind of vehicle?

• Initial Complaint

  01/06/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My car was towed on new year's eve while visiting my brother in South line apartments downtown. I arrived at 9:00 P.M. as I was leaving my brother's house about to attempt to go home I noticed that my car had been towed by PB&J Towing company. I was not illegally parked, I was visiting my handicapped brother, my tags are up to date, and I have one of their parking decal stickers in my car window. It says PB&J in front of my car and they illegally towed my car and I was told that I could not get my car back until Thursday. Moreover, they said it would be ****** dollars and when I got there it went up to ******. I don't feel like that was right or fair in any kind of way because I was in a parking spot, with their name in front of my car, but my car was towed. I was made to pay this money for my car back that I did not have, it inconvenienced me a whole lot to pay money that I shouldn't have had to pay at all because someone was not paying attention. I would like a refund back if possible because I should not have had to go through this. Another thing, one of their men also told me that they were not even supposed to be towing on that day.

  Business response

  01/21/2025

  Thank you for taking the time to reach out to the BBB. Your vehicle was towed for a voided permit. The permits are made to show void when they have been pulled off and put by on. As you stated you are not a resident of that property. Only residents of the property are allowed to have the PB&J permits. However, they should have some type of visitor pass. The total to pick up your vehicle was $255. We took $30 off since we were closed. Attached you will see what is taped on the window when you walk up to the building. It clearly states that there is a 3.95% user fee on all payments made by a credit card. This is if you use a credit or debit card. There will not be any refund issued. This was a legal and valid tow.

• Initial Complaint

  12/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On December 7th at 6:50 my car was towed illegally.... I was parked in a visitor parking and before the visitor hours could end they came and took my car. I am a resident and I recently bought a new car.

  Business response

  12/16/2024

  Thank you for taking to the time to reach out to the BBB. I apologize for the misunderstanding. Your vehicle was towed for not having a permit. You parked your vehicle on the wrong side of visitor parking. The arrow on the sign is pointing in the other direction, as the picture clearly shows. The tow fee was $225, and you are requesting $325 refund? This was a legal and valid tow. We will not be issuing a refund.

   

• Initial Complaint

  10/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was parked at my mother's apartment complex, the Legacy at *********, in *******, **, on October 10 at about 10pm. When I went outside the next day, October 11, around 5:30, my vehicle was gone. I called the police to find out it had been towed. I went to PB&J Towing the next day and was told I had to pay $255 + fees because I parked in a handicap spot. There was no sign in front of where I parked. I was not provided with an invoice nor a name of a person who told them they could tow my vehicle, which is required per the towing ordinance for the city of *******. He refused to tell me the person who gave them permission to tow my vehicle. I have been told previously that they are racist and charge black people more money. The man who I encountered was very rude, and I believe he is indeed racist. I have reached out to a lawyer because I was treated unfairly not only by this company, but by the *********** who refused to make the company take any accountability. I would like my money back. Otherwise, I'll continue with the legal proceedings and we can handle it that way.

  Business response

  10/14/2024

  PB&J appreciates the BBB for notification of this complaint. The fact of the matter is that PB&J was simply executing its contractual duties as directed per the instructions of the persons who are in control of the property. Parking in a designated handicap spot without a valid permit is a serious violation. In TN, this offense can result in fines of up to $200, and your vehicle may be towed. You parked directly on top of a handicap sign painted on the concrete which reflects in the picture. Our fees are governed by the City of Memphis, each person is charges the same no matter who you are. You were giving a receipt when you paid your car out telling you where the vehicle was towed from. No, we are not required to give out any names. We cannot have you or anyone else retaliate against them. 

  Customer response

  10/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22419009
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  You are not following ADA law. The law does not specify any difference between private or public lots. It says all lots must have signs mounted at least 60 inches above the ground. Even if they did specify that private lots had different rules, that doesn't apply to lots that are accessible by the public, which this one is. The apartment complex has signs where there are designated handicap spots right next to where I was parked. Where I was parked did not have a sign in front of the space. If there's not a sign above the ground that shows me the penalties or fines due, I did not park illegally. Again, if you don't want to refund what I paid, I'll just continue discussing this matter with the lawyer.

  Sincerely,
  
  Erica Hartsfield

  Business response

  10/14/2024

  If you refer to the pictures, it clearly shows you are parked in handicap. We will not be issuing a refund. Thank you for your time! 

  Customer response

  10/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22419009
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The spot was not clearly marked as handicap, and you're doing illegal towing. There's enough evidence outside of this to prove that. I'll continue with legal proceedings. Not only are you racist, but you're ignorant to the law.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  Erica Hartsfield

• Initial Complaint

  09/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company illegally towed my car from a parking space that is a legal parking space. I was not blocking anything or anyone. I have parked in the same space for two years. My car has a valid license plate and valid registration. There are no signs that state you cannot park in the parking spot. My car was not impaired in any way.

  Business response

  10/03/2024

  We do not tow cars illegally. I would love to help with your complaint; however, you did not tell us what kind of vehicle was towed or where the vehicle was towed from.

  Customer response

  10/11/2024

  My 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport was towed on Aug 25, 2024. 

  5975 Ponderosa Pine Trail 

  Customer response

  10/11/2024

  My 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport was towed on Aug 25th. 

  5975 Ponderosa Pine Trail 

  Customer response

  10/11/2024

   
  Complaint: 22247193
  
  My 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport was towed on Aug 25th. 
  
  5975 Ponderosa Pine Trail 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Audrey Hunt

  Business response

  10/14/2024

  After looking into this tow, it is a valid and legal tow. You are not allowed to park in front of other vehicles, blocking them in.

  Customer response

  10/14/2024

  I was parked in front of my boyfriend's truck! He parked it there. I was NOT blocking anyone. Black rh vehicles belong to the same residence. 

  Customer response

  10/15/2024

   
  Complaint: 22247193
  
  I was parked in front of my boyfriend's truck! He parked it there. I was NOT blocking anyone. Black rh vehicles belong to the same residence. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Audrey Hunt

• Initial Complaint

  08/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to formally address a matter of grave concern regarding the towing practices of ****** Towing Service, which the management of my residence at *********************, owned by Kismet Properties has employed. It has come to my attention that ****** Towing Service engages in predatory practices. Specifically, every time I rent a vehicle and park in designated visitor parking areas, this towing company promptly removes my vehicle, despite my long-term residency at the complex for the past four years. It is apparent that the towing company conducts frequent patrols, targeting and towing vehicles they do not recognize. My family and I have endured significant emotional distress and financial hardship as a result of these practices. According to my lease agreement, there is no requirement for a visitor's permit, and my discussions with the property manager have confirmed this. The first time the rental was towed was on 5.19.2024, while I was sleeping @ 1:13AM. I had to pay to have my car returned. The issue happened again On August 23, 2024, my rental vehicle, which was parked in the visitor parking area, was towed by ****** Towing Service. Fortunately, I was able to retrieve my vehicle without incurring any fees due to intervention by my property manager. However, the recurring nature of these incidents has caused considerable stress and inconvenience to my family. If these predatory towing practices continue, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action to seek redress for the emotional and financial damages suffered. I urge you to address this matter promptly and take appropriate action to prevent further occurrences. Thank you for your attention to this serious issue.

  Business response

  08/26/2024

  PB&j appreciates the BBB for notification of this complaint; However, PB&J is perplexed that the consumer has requested a refund after admitting that the vehicle was given back to the consumer without any payment. The vehicle was given back to the consumer after PB&J was asked PB&J was asked by the property manager/owner requested. The fact of the matter is that PB&J was simply executing its contractural duties as directed per the instructions of the persons who are in control of the property---plain and simple.

  Customer response

  08/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 22188745
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Although you were fulfilling your contractual duty at *********************. Your contractual duty consist of you removing cars from the property that are parked in the area with no parking permit, which then the visitor must park in visitors parking. I have a photo of my rental car parked in visitors parking that day and also messages from my property manager saying to park in visitors parking and everything should be fine. When this incident occurred I parked in visitors parking as my landlord said to do with no issue and PB& J caused me great financial loss and emotional distress. I dont care that the car was given back. When I reached out to pb&j and my landlord they had an excuse that I had to have a visitors pass. Unfortunately that is not in my lease, as I have read through it several times. There is no such thing as a visitors pass. If that is so everyone who visits, who doesnt have any signed lease contract with Kismet Propeties would have to visit the office for a pass and that is an inconvenience to the visitor no matter where they are visiting from my car should not have been touched by PB& J being that it was parked legally in front of the visitors parking sign. So yall were in the wrong. Plain and Simple 
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  08/29/2024

  This consumer needs to take this matter up with the property owner/manager as PB&J does not enact the parking rules and regulations of the Summerwood property.  End of the matter as far as PB&J is concerned.

• Initial Complaint

  08/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Predatory towing - have illegally towed vehicles to be sold

  Business response

  08/29/2024

  PB&J has already replied to a complaint involving this matter.  If this consumer wishes to continue this complain, then please have the consumer provide the relevant information needed to allow PB&J to identify and investigate the allegations of the consumer.  PB&J is a towing company -- not a mind reader.

  Customer response

  09/11/2024

  *********** 

  ****************************************************************************************************

  ***********

  *** ATTACHED COPY ***

  " Subject: Formal Demand for Compensation Regarding Illegal Towing
  Hello,
  I have described the aforementioned problem in the previous response but I will now be seeking additional compensation regarding my illegal towing claim. My name is ****** ******, I was rightfully parked in a private access area and was illegally towed by PB&J. I was notified of my vehicle moving via tracker and video. The night that I was towed, several other vehicles were towed under similar circumstances. Although the vehicles were rightfully parked in their respective lots, PB&J decided to tow several vehicles illegally in hopes of gathering towing fees. This has been the case since 2020. [PB&J Towing Serv. I & II *. *****] 
  I, along with others have spoken to two news networks and have contacted an attorney on this matter. Within this letter you shall find links and articles associated with this company and its violations of not only city, but state law. I.e. 
  Permit violations
  Failure to comply with required communication protocols
  PB&J publicly deplores and is in violation of  the following Memphis Ordinance Law and other illicit measures. The signage in the building of PB&J explicitly violates ordinance and suggests that the company is not compliant.
  specifically concerning:
  
  (-The city requires tow companies to have express written authorization to legally tow a car.)
  (-Tow companies must also keep signed copies of any agreements with property owners for towing.)
  (-Tow companies are required to answer calls 24 hours per day if they lock your car on their property)
  (-They must be available to retrieve your car by 7:00 a.m. the next morning)
  
  CHAPTER 6-88. - WRECKERS AND TOWING OPERATORS
  ****************************************************************************************************
  
  These unlawful practices are part of a pattern of misconduct that has resulted in significant financial and emotional distress for myself and others in similar situations. I have compiled documentation, including photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and legal precedents, all of which support my claim of illegal towing. As such, I am requesting full compensation for the towing fees, damages, and any further legal costs I incur. 
  I intend to pursue this matter to the fullest extent, and I expect a prompt resolution. Should this issue not be addressed within the next 12 days, I will proceed with additional legal action, including but not limited to further media exposure and a formal complaint with the state attorney generals office.
  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  
  Sincerely,
  ****** ****** "
  
  

   

   

  Customer response

  09/18/2024

  Thanks

  Customer response

  10/18/2024

   
  

  From the CONSUMER:

  Sent 9/11/2024 2:09:06 PM

  Read by *************************** on 9/18/2024 1:53:07 PM

  *********** 

  ****************************************************************************************************

  ***********

  *** ATTACHED COPY ***

  " Subject: Formal Demand for Compensation Regarding Illegal Towing
  Hello,
  I have described the aforementioned problem in the previous response but I will now be seeking additional compensation regarding my illegal towing claim. My name is ****** ******, I was rightfully parked in a private access area and was illegally towed by PB&J. I was notified of my vehicle moving via tracker and video. The night that I was towed, several other vehicles were towed under similar circumstances. Although the vehicles were rightfully parked in their respective lots, PB&J decided to tow several vehicles illegally in hopes of gathering towing fees. This has been the case since 2020. [PB&J Towing Serv. I & II *. *****] 
  I, along with others have spoken to two news networks and have contacted an attorney on this matter. Within this letter you shall find links and articles associated with this company and its violations of not only city, but state law. I.e. 
  Permit violations
  Failure to comply with required communication protocols
  PB&J publicly deplores and is in violation of  the following Memphis Ordinance Law and other illicit measures. The signage in the building of PB&J explicitly violates ordinance and suggests that the company is not compliant.
  specifically concerning:
  
  (-The city requires tow companies to have express written authorization to legally tow a car.)
  (-Tow companies must also keep signed copies of any agreements with property owners for towing.)
  (-Tow companies are required to answer calls 24 hours per day if they lock your car on their property)
  (-They must be available to retrieve your car by 7:00 a.m. the next morning)
  
  CHAPTER 6-88. - WRECKERS AND TOWING OPERATORS
  ****************************************************************************************************
  
  These unlawful practices are part of a pattern of misconduct that has resulted in significant financial and emotional distress for myself and others in similar situations. I have compiled documentation, including photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and legal precedents, all of which support my claim of illegal towing. As such, I am requesting full compensation for the towing fees, damages, and any further legal costs I incur. 
  I intend to pursue this matter to the fullest extent, and I expect a prompt resolution. Should this issue not be addressed within the next 12 days, I will proceed with additional legal action, including but not limited to further media exposure and a formal complaint with the state attorney generals office.
  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  
  Sincerely,
  ****** ****** "
  
  

   

   

  Business response

  11/01/2024

  This vehicle was parked at a gas station parking lot. The owner of the gas station called to have the vehicle removed. The vehicle owner was at the bar next door. When he come to pick his vehicle up he signed his ticket with profanity. We will not be giving any refunds. Please see pictures attached.

  Business response

  11/06/2024

  This vehicle was parked at a gas station parking lot. The owner of the gas station called to have the vehicle removed. The vehicle owner was at the bar next door. When he come to pick his vehicle up he signed his ticket with profanity. We will not be giving any refunds. Please see pictures attached.

   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Was at my dads apartment cleaning up and the company towed my car illegally. My dad has cancer so I was taking care of him.

  Business response

  07/22/2024

  As usual, this consumer decries having a vehicle towed, has failed provided appropriate and relevant information which could assist PB&J to investigate the facts of this tow.  Your consumer has not provided information such as the name and location or property from which the vehicle was towed.  Nor has the consumer provided the date the vehicle was towed, the year, make and model of the vehicle.  PB&J requires this information so that an appropriate response may be generated and provided to the consumer's complaint and the BBB.

• Initial Complaint

  06/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was in a wreck in which totaled my vehicle that contained my parking deal given by my apartments. The wreck was on April 26, 2024. Ive been in the same rental vehicle since may 2, 2024. I was transported by ems from the accident scene, the first thing on my mind was not to grab a parking decal out of my totaled car before being taken away by ambulance. On June 2, 2024 my children and I were leaving to go to church and the rental car was gone, after confirming with ************** non emergency line p b and j towing had towed the rental. I had to pay $265!!!!! To obtain the rental, p b and j were extremely rude and nasty and refused to speak to the rental company and insisted I needed to pay $265 or leave. I bit the bullet unfortunately because my childs car seat and personal belongings were in there and I had work the next day and just paid it. Two weeks later, today, June 15. I leave again, the car has been towed again!!!! This time after I have a temporary parking pass visible in the dash board. I am stuck at home with my toddler with no diapers because this company continues to illegally two cars to make a quick buck from tenants who pay rent monthly: they dont leave a warning it anything, they just pick up your vehicle with no regards and scam you out of hundreds of dollars and have the worst attitudes ever. This is illegal and they need to be shut down

  Business response

  06/18/2024

  PB&J tows several cars per day, per week and per month.  These vehicles are categorized and stored by use of their VIN Numbers, tags, year, make and models. PB&J does not readily know the actual owners of these vehicles.  Now we've expressed on numerous occasions with the BBB that your consumers must provide the information listed herein above when they file their complaint.  Additionally, as in this case, your consumer only complains about having to pay for the return of the rental.  What your consumer doesn't seem to understand that parking rules and regulations are established by the private property owner and/or the property manager -- and not by PB&J.  Also, under state law a towing company is only supposed to release a vehicle to the REGISTERED OWNER; therefore, once it becomes known that the vehicle is a rental the tow company should only release the vehicle to the rental company and not the renter without written approval and a hold harmless from the rental company asking the tow company to release the vehicle to that appointed person.  Obviously, based on the allegations of your consumer's complaint PB&J did the renter a favor in allowing the release of the vehicle to the renter.  PB&J could have kept the vehicle until the rental company came to retrieve it and in which case PB&J could have received a higher payout from the rental company --because rental companies are notoriously known for not picking up their vehicles once they have been notified that the vehicle has been towed.  It's quite possible that our staff believed that your consumer had been involved in an accident which required the rental of the vehicle which was ultimately towed and therefore allowed the renter to retrieve the same so as to assist the consumer to be able to go on with the consumer's daily lives and conveniences to the best of PB&J's ability.  So, if your consumer wishes to continue to pursue this matter against PB&J, please have the consumer provide the year, make, model, VIN Number, date and location of where the vehicle was towed from.

*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. ↩