Towing Issues: Rental Truck Towed From Parking Lot, car towing, maximum fee

Question
My husband and I were moving from Massachusetts to New Jersey and rented
a 15 foot moving truck for the job. We unloaded everything and decided to
drive 2 blocks to a Target to buy a few more pieces of furniture while we still
had the truck rented. We were in the store for a good amount of time picking
out several things (Hour and a half - Two hours) and when we left the store
the truck was gone. The people at Target said they did not call a tow truck
but gave us the number of the guy that usually prowled the lot and when we
called him, he said it would cost $675 to get the truck and there would be an
additional $100 added after 5pm, it was 4:55. He also said it HAD to be cash
and refused to release our truck for a credit card payment which upon doing
a little research I believe is illegal. Having to return the truck to the rental
place shortly, we had no choice and shelled out nearly $800 in cash but did
ask for a receipt. I'm just wondering if there are any legal options we have
here to get some of our money back. Are there any maximum fee regulations
or laws that require them to accept credit cards? I would really appreciate any
help in this matter. Thanks in advance.  

Answer
Well, this is interesting, Target did not call but knows of someone that "prowls the lot"   That sounds like they have an agreement with the towing service to patrol the lot for illegal parked vehicles...

Now I also have to say that most laws regarding impounding vehicles are based on car towing so the rates you were charged are higher but that reflects on the size of the vehicle you had there.  

Now as to legal, its hard to say with each City in NJ having different rules and regulations covering this..  A basic Internet search for towing rules in your City will most likely provide help there..

NOW for the interesting part,  Target having customers towed away (if you did buy things) might be interested in the fact that you were towed while shopping there... (if this is true, not doubting but have heard of lots of different excuses over the years)

The towing service asking for cash, yeah that is standard policy in most places, as its hard to cancel or dispute cash...
BUT some areas do require acceptance of credit / debt cards in addition to cash... Again goes back to specific rules for where you are.

The $ 100.00 extra fee for after hours is common in the business for redeeming the vehicle when the office is closed.

You always do have the small claims court option to take and there is always the power of the customer at the store where you were...  Check into that if you can.