Towing Issues: towed car off of lot without straps-??, tow trucks, towing company

Question
Trying to make this short:
I parked in a spot for "Keyman Building."  I was going inside the building to look at office space for rent.  I wasn't even to the door when the tow truck latched my car on the front and sped out.  I was running after it.  He pulled down a side street to put the straps on. Can they do that? I have a picture.  I called the Keyman Building-they told me I needed a sticker to park where I was (that was not on the sign directly in front of my car).  How would I have a sticker if I was looking at property?  I have called both companies....no way to get a refund.
My question:  Can a company tow you when you are out of the car 20 seconds without strapping it to the tow truck, then pull over and strap it so they can charge me $120??

Answer
Some tow trucks are set up to hook up and tow vehicles without the driver getting out of the truck... And it sounds like you found one..

Now the 20 seconds that is fast... It sounds a bit fishy but hey, I can only answer what I get for information..

Now the laws in many areas have provisions regarding towing signs, but the sign does not have to be in front of each parking space.  They are usually at the entrances of the parking lot... That is what it sounds like for the signs being posted.  As to the stickers needed, I guess that would be up to the property manager to issue them to tenants, and since you were looking at the place to rent I think they might be nice to you, but that depends on them...  

Now along with laws regarding signs and proper towing methods, there are many laws that say if the owner comes out while the towing company is on the property hooking up then they either have to release it for free, or a drop fee...
This area might of been one that has the free issue... Now by getting it off the lot (yes I have done that before also) the vehicle is off the property and thereby able to be charged a fee which might be full price.


As to the chance of a refund, I guess since you have talked to them about it, that you will have to consider it a learning experience..