by EPS Media Relations Unit, Edmonton Police Service
(MRU #: 24R041)
IN JULY 2024, THE EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE (EPS) launched an investigation into the business practices of tow truck companies that were reportedly demanding people use their services at the scenes of collisions.
During this investigation, police discovered that numerous tow truck companies in Edmonton were reportedly fraudulently billing insurance companies for services that were not provided. Police also learned that these companies were allegedly inflating bills, including charging upwards of $5,000 for a basic collision tow that is estimated to typically cost only a few hundred dollars.
Tow Canada, July-August 2025
Between March and May 2025, the EPS charged 11 owners of 10 local tow truck companies with fraud. At this time, police estimate that these 10 companies have fraudulently billed insurance companies an estimated combined total of over $120,000. Additionally, police do not believe that these independent businesses or their owners have any professional relation to one another.
Detective Bryan Niehaus of the EPS’ Investigation Response Team stated the following:
“Fraud through direct billing to an insurance company can be especially difficult for the policy holder to notice. It is always best to contact your insurance provider for a complete invoice of services after using a tow truck company. As always, motorists have the right to choose their tow truck provider and should not feel obligated to accept services at the scene of a collision.”
Court dates for these business owners took place during the month of May. The investigation into reports of fraud regarding additional tow truck companies remains ongoing.