SF towing company banned for ‘predatory behavior,' city attorney says

SAN FRANCISCO ( KRON ) — San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu's office banned Auto Towing LLC, an SF-based towing company, from continuing to provide its future services.

On Tuesday, the towing company received the highest possible period of debarment after admitting to a series of "irresponsible" tows in San Francisco’s Portola neighborhood without informing the property owner.

The order said the company’s license had since been revoked for applying unethical towing practices and putting people's safety at risk. "Auto Towing engaged in predatory behavior and unfair business practices," Chiu said.

According to the order, from February to May 2023, Auto Towing attempted to illegally tow "at least" seven cars parked at a Bank of the West parking lot off San Bruno Avenue in San Francisco.

In one instance, in May 2023, Auto Towing moved a handicapped person's car from the parking lot when it wasn't authorized to do so. Despite the bank manager, Yashan Yu, challenging their actions by taking photos and threatening to call the police, Auto Towing still towed the car.

Despite their permit stating they are based out of a facility on Underwood Avenue, Chiu's office said Auto Towing would instead tow the cars to a separate location at Oakdale Avenue.

Of the seven illegal tow attempts, "at least six" of those instances received "improper financial gain," the order said.

Yu said Bank of the West not only "had no contract agreements" with Auto Towing, but the towing company also posted "personalized Auto Tow signs" on the bank's private property illegally in April 2023.

"This company intentionally misled and scammed people out of hundreds of dollars by illegally towing cars. Our City has no interest in contracting with exploitative businesses engaged in illegal conduct," Chiu said.

After an investigation conducted by the San Francisco Police Department, Auto Towing had its towing license application rejected in September 2023. Police stated several reasons for denial, including:

1. Unauthorized tows
2. Not complying with the required 1 hour wait time before officially towing
3. Towing in a manner that was "not duly authorized"
4. Failure to take steps to prevent law violations
5. Risking the safety of residents by towing from private property at night
6. Failure to apply for required permits

On June 3, Auto Towing failed to appear for their hearing. Since they missed appearing in court, "they are deemed to have admitted all counts," the order wrote. Auto Towing's official debarment length is "at least" five years, during which the company will then be allowed to reapply for state permits.

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