Assured towing towed our car from an unmarked parking spot behind the Taos Coop and Showdown bar in Austin, TX. The two businesses share the parking lot, and each has individually designated spots within it, as Showdown's spots have a red dot in the space to indicate it is for their customers, and Taos has yellow writing in front of their spots indicating they are only for their residents.
We parked in a spot that was marked with neither a red dot or a yellow sign, and during the night we visited both businesses. When we found our car had been towed we were shocked, as we were very careful to follow the parking designations within the lot.
Upon contacting the manager of Assured Towing, Casey, I was informed that the spots were clearly marked by himself (which is illegal as the parking facility must make sure parking is in compliance with state laws prior to having people towed). He refused to accept any pictures as evidence to the contrary. He also informed me that even if the Taos Coop management contacted him, as the business he is in contract with, that he would not reduce or refund the unlawful charge.
I have since learned through a simple Google search that multiple Austinites have been victims of this towing scam in the same particular parking lot. They purposefully will not mark the undesignated spots, as Showdown management has offered to do so, as they would lose their unknowing victims that way. They have also reportedly removed banners placed by Showdown warning their victims about the towing situation.
Because so many people have been victimized by this towing company, I have filed reports with the BBB and the Austin Police. Although the fee was less than $200, I am trying to fight it as this company's victims appear to be predominately low-income college students, that cannot afford to fight back when taken advantage of. These company's thrive because people just accept their abuse without question, so if you have any helpful information please come forward!
Please note the other consumer complaints filed against the same company - Assured Towing.
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