FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2026
PRESS CONTACT:
Deanna Shoss, (773) 478-8417
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published a new report, The City’s Response to Rogue Towing: An Explainer, describing how rogue towing occurs in Chicago and outlining the City’s regulatory and enforcement framework.
Rogue towing—also known as predatory or pirate towing—occurs when tow truck operators arrive at accident scenes unsolicited, misrepresent themselves, tow vehicles, and subsequently charge exorbitant fees for their return. Some complainants reported feeling as though their vehicle was held hostage after being taken without clear consent.
The City enacted laws and enforcement mechanisms in 2021 to address the long-standing issue of rogue towing and updated those laws in 2025. The City has reported that those measures have helped reduce the reported frequency of rogue towing along with the resulting risk to the public.
The report describes two key aspects of the City’s approach to rogue towing. It outlines the licensing, investigations, and enforcement actions carried out by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and the accident‑scene responses and investigative work performed by the Chicago Police Department (CPD). It also details the coordinated ‘missions’ undertaken jointly by CPD, BACP, and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), the state agency responsible for enforcing statewide towing laws, to identify and respond to rogue towing activity.
“Though the City’s efforts appear to be reducing the frequency of rogue towing; the problem is still real, said David Glockner, Inspector General for the City of Chicago. “By describing how rogue towing operators behave, what licensed towing looks like, and where Chicagoans can report concerns, this report offers information that can help protect the public.”
Signs of a potential rogue tower
Rogue operators often exploit the confusion that can follow a crash and may:
- Falsely claim they were sent by drivers’ insurance companies or by police.
- Promise to take the vehicle to a dealership or repair shop but instead deliver it to their own tow lot.
- Tow vehicles while drivers are being transported from the scene by ambulance, leaving the driver unaware the car was removed.
- Later demand extremely high towing and storage fees.
Legitimate tow operators are required to have a City towing license and a licensed storage lot or repair facility, and the City issues registration emblems that must be displayed on licensed tow trucks.
Where to report rogue towing
People who experience possible rogue towing can file a consumer fraud complaint with BACP, through CHI 311. CHI 311 can be accessed by dialing 311, visiting 311.chicago.gov, using the CHI311 mobile app, or contacting a local alderperson’s office.
People can also make a complaint directly at CPD district stations. Additionally, ICC also receives towing-related complaints.
Access the report
The City’s Response to Rogue Towing: An Explainer is now available on the OIG’s website at igchicago.org.
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About the Office of Inspector General (OIG)
The mission of the independent and nonpartisan City of Chicago Office of Inspector General is to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity by identifying corruption, waste, and mismanagement in City government. OIG is a watchdog for the taxpayers of the City and has jurisdiction to conduct inquiries into most aspects of City government.
If you see misconduct, mismanagement, or waste, we need to hear from you.
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