Towing Issues: Private parking towing, small claims court, recipt

Question
A private towing company tried to tow my car from the parking
lot of the company I work for.I was there working late and I
cought them as they were trying to tow.
I called the police and the officer told them they couldn't charge
more than $45 cause the car hadn't been moved yet but they
still charged $185. The towing driver drove off without giving
me a recipt and they refuse to answer any questions on the
phone. What can I do?

Answer
Well Barbara,  it sounds like a wonderful mess there.

First of all I beleive that your a victim of the preditatory towing practice. Lots of problems with that method. I hate to see the towing industry brought down in this manner.

If the police told them it was only supposed to be $45.00 then  I am wondering what the Polices reasons were.  
As with any tows off private property, it is a civil matter.  The police can take reports but that is about it.

Now as to the charge for $ 185.00 to get the car back, it seems that with him not leaving a receipt there will be one heck of a time establishing what was done. That or the driver only turned in the $ 45.00   and kept the rest. (just my thoughts here )

Now as to the company refusing to talk and answer questions about it over the phone.. Thats not good, but it might be worth going to the main office and talking to them ..

Any legal actions will end up being done in Small Claims Court, as its going to be Civil actions.


Sorry this does not help much, but laws vary from state to state and city to city. I could guess and say California and maybe Los Angeles but of course it could be anywhere.