Towing Companies Camping - Scummy Tactics - Please Help :(

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Hey everyone — just had a frustrating and frankly upsetting experience tonight and I’m wondering if there’s any recourse, or if anyone else has dealt with something similar.

I was in central Phoenix trying to find parking, which as you might expect, wasn’t easy. After circling a bit, I spotted a lot that looked like a paid parking lot. I wasn’t sure if it was part of a restaurant nearby, or if the whole thing was paid parking — I did see a paid parking QR not far off, so I thought maybe this was part of that parking lot.

So I did what I thought was responsible: I parked briefly and ran into the restaurant to ask a server if it was okay to park there. She said they don’t tow and that it was fine — she was kind enough to walk out with me to point out the correct areas.

But by the time I got outside — no more than two and a half minutes later — a tow truck from Kwik Tow LLC (kwiktow.com) already had my car lifted and ready to go. Two and a half minutes. Not an exaggeration. I had barely even left the car.

I flagged the driver down and explained I had just gone in to confirm if the spot was okay, and that I was literally in the middle of being told where it was safe to park. If he had shown up a minute later, I would’ve been gone. He didn’t care. At all.

He looked me dead in the eyes and said:

"That’s not my problem. I’ve got a family to feed. Pay me $100 now, or pay $300 later when I tow it. Either way you have to pay — make a decision."

No humanity. No hesitation. No grace period. Just straight-up predatory behavior. It was like every negative stereotype of sleazy, morally bankrupt towing companies rolled into one moment. He was waiting around the corner, just watching for someone to slip up — and I hadn’t even slipped. I was actively trying to do the right thing.

I later spoke with a police officer, and apparently this isn’t the first time Kwik Tow LLC has pulled something like this. The officer even admitted it was “scummy,” but because the lot is private property, there’s not much they can do beyond suggesting I file a police report.

I can’t tell you how gross this whole situation feels. I was trying to be thoughtful and respectful about where I parked, and within minutes I’m forced to hand over $100 to a guy who ambushed my car like it was bait.

If anyone knows if there’s a legal angle to fight this, or if there are city ordinances in Phoenix that limit predatory towing like this, I’d really appreciate your input.

Stay safe out there — especially when parking in downtown Phoenix. These companies are waiting for people to make even the smallest mistake.