Fox's Texaco Service Station & Towing Ripoff They told me it would be $35 but when I didn't require their serviceto pay $75 Ocean Springs, Mississippi
I first contacted Texaco Towing on the morning of 7/07/06 to inquire about towing my vehicle less than 1 mile for service. I called the administrator of my roadside assistance who in turn contacted Texaco for a towing estimate; next, I received a return call advising me that towing would be $85.00 of which $50.00 would be covered, leaving me with an out of pocket expense of $35.00.
I spoke with Donna, a representative of Texaco, and explained the problems that I was having with my vehicle and inquired if I should pay the tow operator $35.00, her response was that it would be added to my final bill and I could pay it then. Later that afternoon, Donna called and supplied me with two (2) options, 1) replace compressor pay $1020.25 or remove compressor and replace belt pay $285.69. My Husband, returned Donna's call and directed her NOT to do any work and that he would have a truck come get the vehicle this evening. Donna's response was that the fee then would be $74.90, of which $39.90 was for diagnostic work. I immediately called Donna and asked if she was obligated to disclose the fees associated with 'looking' at my car, her response was, "I don't know." I explained to Donna that she definitely was to make me aware of any costs above and beyond the $35.00 towing fee prior to directing me to pay for them. I informed Donna that I would be taking this complaint directly to the Better Business Bureau and she informed me to bring $74.90 cash when coming to get my vehicle.
Shannon
moss point, Mississippi
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Marc
Makaha,Hawaii,
U.S.A.
Shannon, something you should know. They are self-appointed middle-men. They routinely lie to customers, and make promises they cannot keep.
#2Consumer Comment
Mon, July 10, 2006
The so-called Road Service companies do not own the tow servces nor can they dictate charges. They are self-appointed middle-men. They routinely lie to customers, and make promises they cannot keep. I ran into this constantly, as I was an "emergency contractor" meaning no-one would sign up to tow for them. They would tell a customer to pay me $20 on a $100 towing bill, and at the same time call me up and tell me to get the $100 from you. When you call them to complain they tell you that I'M the bad guy. Then they'ed call me back and ask me to eat the bill or barter with you. So my advice is to forget everything the service company told you and deal directly with the shop. From your post I couldn't tell who told who what, but I do know that most road-service companies know absolutely nothing about the towing business or servicing your car. They are work-at-home people or inmates with a telephone and a computer, set up in the garage, maybe not even in the U.S.