As South Africans prepare for the annual holiday rush, the roads are set to become significantly busier – and so too are the risks. The festive season traditionally brings an increase in long-distance travel, accidents, roadside breakdowns and insurance claims. While this is stressful enough for motorists, the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), warns that it is also peak season for fraudulent tow truck scams.
Unscrupulous operators often take advantage of the confusion and vulnerability that follow an accident. Several recent incidents across the country highlight a growing trend: motorists are being misled into handing over their vehicles under false pretences, believing they are dealing with their legitimate insurer or an approved service provider.
In one particularly concerning case in Gauteng earlier this year, a young woman involved in a multi-vehicle collision was approached within minutes by tow truck operators who asked whether she had insurance. One operator handed her a phone, claiming her insurer was on the line. The person on the call warned her that her airbag could deploy unexpectedly and that her insurer would not pay out if she attempted to move the vehicle.
Believing she was speaking to her actual insurer, she agreed to have her car towed “for assessment”. Only later did she discover it had been taken to a tow yard rather than an accredited repairer and the company was demanding a R12,900 release fee. Despite approaching the SAPS, the family was informed that because she had digitally signed an authorisation form at the scene, storage and release fees were legally enforceable. What she believed was a routine form was, in fact, a binding towing and storage agreement.
Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA, says these schemes become even more prevalent during peak travel periods.
“While many towing operators are legitimate and provide a valuable service, there are unfortunately those who exploit motorists at their most vulnerable. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and during the festive season people are often distracted, stressed or travelling far from home which makes them even easier targets,” he explains.
What to do if you are involved in an accident or breakdown
To protect yourself this December and January, SAMBRA urges motorists to follow these critical steps:
• Know your insurer’s approved tow service: Keep the contact details saved on your phone and in your vehicle. Insist on calling your insurer or broker directly – never allow a third party to do this on your behalf.
• Verify before you act: If someone claims to be your insurer on the phone, hang up and call your insurer’s official number.
• Check identification: Ensure that any towing operator who approaches you is from an accredited service provider.
• Read before you sign: Never sign any document – paper or digital – without understanding its contents. A digital signature can legally authorise storage and towing charges.
• Call for help: Contact a trusted family member, friend or roadside assistance service before agreeing to any tow.
Hanekom says SAMBRA remains committed to upholding consumer protection and ethical practice in the motor body repair sector.
“Knowledge is your best defence. By staying alert and following the correct procedures, motorists can avoid unnecessary costs, conflict and financial loss, especially during this busy time of year,” he concludes.
Vehicle Recovery and Dealing with Tow Truck Operators – Never sign a blank document when allowing someone to tow your vehicle away!
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– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 8, 2025
