With holiday traffic surging across the country, industry experts are warning motorists to stay alert to an increase in roadside tow truck scams. The South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA) stated that opportunistic operators frequently target drivers in the moments immediately following a crash.
SAMBRA’s National Director, Juan Hanekom, said some tow truck drivers exploit the stress and confusion that follow an accident. “Primarily, tow truck drivers take advantage of the panic in the situation. They’re relying on the confusion, the stress, the trauma, and everything else that goes with it,” he explains.
Hanekom stated that motorists are frequently pressured into signing consent forms on the roadside, sometimes being told that “the vehicle needs to be taken by them and not somebody else.”
He stressed that drivers must remember their rights. “Ultimately, the consumer needs to be aware that they are the consenting party. They have the rights. The CPA protects them.”
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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