- Oct 28, 2000
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So, I parked in a McDonald's parking lot earlier. There is a sign posted that claims "1 hour parking for customer's only." I went in and bought some coffee, went to a short interview at another location, and returned 45 minutes later.
When I returned, I found that my car was already hooked up to the back of a tow truck. I told the rather large Mexican truck driver that I had made a purchase, so I was legal in parking there. He claimed that once I left the premises I was no longer a customer, so they could tow my vehicle. Having a receipt for the purchase didn't matter, either.
Let the scamming begin! To my surprise, he said he could release the car if I gave him $60. I had $46 on me, but after some hesitation, he took that as payment and released the car. I also signed a vehicle damage release (after I checked things over) showing that I paid $46 to release my car.
I know I got scammed, but what would you have done? I didn't want to go through the hassle of getting my car towed away. Is it true that if you leave the parking lot property, even if you were a customer, they can tow your vehicle?
When I returned, I found that my car was already hooked up to the back of a tow truck. I told the rather large Mexican truck driver that I had made a purchase, so I was legal in parking there. He claimed that once I left the premises I was no longer a customer, so they could tow my vehicle. Having a receipt for the purchase didn't matter, either.
Let the scamming begin! To my surprise, he said he could release the car if I gave him $60. I had $46 on me, but after some hesitation, he took that as payment and released the car. I also signed a vehicle damage release (after I checked things over) showing that I paid $46 to release my car.
I know I got scammed, but what would you have done? I didn't want to go through the hassle of getting my car towed away. Is it true that if you leave the parking lot property, even if you were a customer, they can tow your vehicle?