PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police are warning the public about men in unmarked trucks acting as tow truck drivers in the West and Southwest sections of the city.
Authorities say the men are knocking on doors and asking residents if a car parked nearby belongs to them. Then, in each case, the men say the car is on the “311 list” — 311 is the city services phone number — and threaten to tow away their car, eventually asking for money in exchange for agreeing to leave it parked where it is.
They say cars old and new are targets, often cars with flat tires or expired tags or stickers, or cars surrounded by a lot of trash or debris — as if it's been there for a while.
Police warn the public to call 911 if they believe someone is towing their car illegally, and they warn tow-truck drivers not to knock on doors or use red or blue lights when legally towing a car — and to make sure they have the proper towing vehicle and signage.