NYC Tow Companies Ordered to Refund $66,500 to Drivers

 Two New York City towing companies have been ordered to provide a combined $66,500 in refunds after city officials accused them of overcharging vehicle owners and failing to maintain proper records.

The city says two licensed towing companies overcharged customers, demanded cash payments and failed to provide proper receipts, resulting in thousands of dollars in restitution for affected drivers

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection said Staten Island-based Breen Bros Towing will provide $46,500 in restitution, while Brooklyn-based Daniyyel Towing will make another $20,000 available to customers later this fall.

Both companies are licensed to tow vehicles blocking driveways or parked on private property. According to the city, investigators found that the companies charged customers improper fees, demanded cash payments and failed to provide accurate receipts.

Breen Bros admitted to 250 record-keeping violations, including issuing blank or false receipts, officials said. Investigators identified another 385 violations involving Daniyyel Towing, including improper charges and record-keeping failures.

“Having your car towed is almost always a universally stressful and unexpected experience,” DCWP Commissioner Samuel Levine said. “No New Yorker should have to head to the impound lot wondering if they’ve been overcharged or ripped off.”

Source: https://gothamist.com