10 tow truck companies charged with fraud, more under investigation: EPS

Ten tow truck companies in Edmonton were charged in relation to fraudulent billing practices to insurance companies. CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa reports.

Ten Edmonton tow truck companies have been charged with fraud.

The charges were announced on Wednesday against the companies and their 11 owners, stemming from an investigation beginning in July.

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Police said the companies were reportedly demanding people use their services at crash sites and then allegedly billing insurance companies for services that weren’t provided.

Police allege the companies were also inflating bills, including charging more than $5,000 for basic collision tows estimated to cost a few hundred dollars.

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The estimated cost of the combined fraudulent billings is more than $120,000, police said.

The following companies’ owners have been charged with fraud:

• AMK Towing;
• Avenue Towing;
• Discount Towing Ltd.;
• Edmonton Towing Services Ltd.;
• Infinity Towing & Recovery Services Corp.;
• My Big Tow Inc.;
• Same Boss Towing Ltd.;
• TBT Towing Ltd.;
• Unlimited Towing & Recovery Service Ltd.; and
• 2652736 Alberta Inc.

Police don’t believe the businesses or their owners have professional relationships with one another. Court dates for the business owners will take place throughout May.

Additional reports of fraud by more tow truck companies remain under investigation.