New Orleans Drivers Warned of Towing Scams and Price Gouging

New Orleans, Louisiana Oct 24, 2025 (Issuewire.com) In a region known for bustling streets, unpredictable weather and high stakes for stranded drivers, one of New Orleans longest-running towing providers is stepping forward to help motorists steer clear of scams and excessive charges. Baby Kaitlyn Towing Service (BKT), serving Greater New Orleans since 1978, is raising the alarm about a rising tide of ambush tows, inflated fees and cash-only operations and is urging drivers to arm themselves with knowledge before an emergency strikes.

Too often, says Walter Raymond, President & CEO of Baby Kaitlyn Towing, we receive calls from people whove been misled by unscrupulous operators the kind of tow that begins with no authorization, ends with a sky-high invoice, and leaves a driver feeling powerless. Our mission is simple protect the public and deliver honest service.

BKTs newly published guide, titled Avoiding Towing Scams and Price Gouging in New Orleans: What Every Driver Should Know, outlines six common tactics used by dishonest towers and offers practical steps drivers can take to safeguard themselves. These include:

• The Ambush Tow Unrequested Tows: A vehicle is towed without the drivers consent or proper signage. BKT emphasizes that private property tows in New Orleans must be authorized by the property owner or manager.

• The Hostage Vehicle Sky-High Storage Fees: After a breakdown or accident, a vehicle may be taken to an undisclosed lot and the driver held ransom with exorbitant release fees. BKT points out that under Louisiana law, operators must provide a written invoice and permit payment by standard means.

• The Storm Surge Special Emergency Price Gouging: During hurricanes or flood events, demand for towing spikes and some operators exploit that by inflating rates. Louisiana law prohibits such gouging during a declared emergency.

• The Street Shark Cash-Only and No Paperwork: A warning sign is when a tow operator demands cash, refuses to identify their company, or wont provide documentation. Legitimate service providers issue a receipt and disclose licensing.

• The Meter Manipulator Overcharging for Mileage or Time: BKT recommends drivers take photos of odometers and compare actual distance with estimates to identify inflated charges.

• Choosing a Trustworthy Towing Company: BKT outlines what separates honest operators from opportunists: valid licensing, clear up-front pricing, local presence, professional equipment and communications.

According to Raymond, the prevalence of these issues in New Orleans is tied to its unique environment. Whether youre coming back from a night on Bourbon Street, touring through the Quarter or navigating oil-and-hurricane-impacted highways, the citys vehicle landscape creates opportunity for ill-intentioned operators, he explains. A breakdown in the rain, a parade day in downtown, a storm-cleanup scenario on I-10 any of those conditions raise the stakes.

Raymond emphasizes that while many towing companies operate with integrity, the risk to motorists remains real. He encourages drivers to call the number they find on signage, verify the company via the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) licensing lists, and insist on documentation every time. One minute of caution can save hundredsor even thousandsof dollars and a lot of stress, he notes.

As part of its commitment to the community, Baby Kaitlyn Towing offers 24-hour service, modern tow trucks and transparent pricing. On its website, the company prominently states: Integrity should always ride shotgun.

In addition to consumer warnings, BKT is urging property owners, event planners and local businesses to ensure that any tow operator they engage is properly licensed, provides clear signage and adheres to local regulations. This is particularly relevant in festival-heavy New Orleans, where parking lots, temporary events and high foot-traffic areas can attract unauthorized towing practices.

Raymond adds, We believe education is prevention. When drivers know what to askCan you show me your license? Will you issue an itemized invoice? Whats your storage yard address?they take back control. Thats good for the person stranded on the side of the road, and thats good for the industry as a whole.

For media inquiries, community safety partnerships or towing/licensing commentary, Baby Kaitlyn Towing Service invites contact at 504-669-5938 or visit https://babykaitlyntowingservice.com