I was parked in Old Town Fredericksburg at 11 am on Halloween in a public parking lot that I have been parking in for over 2 years (even over night on a couple of occasions). I came back to my car to find it has been towed, there were 2 other families that we stuck in the lot as well. the owner of a shop had put up a small sign at one of the entrances, but not both and only about half of the spots in the lot had "employees only" signs on them as well. I was told to call the towing company and had to call 3 times because after a lady would give me a little bit of information she would hang up. I was told that they were open and someone would be there all day. My girlfriend and I had to walk a mile and a half past route 3 to Shanks towing and there was a closed sign in the window. I called the same number and the lady said they were open, after some angered words from me, she finally told me that the manager was supposed to be there and he might have been at another location. She went on to say that if he wasn't there by 4:15 she would be (an hour and a half from when I got there and over 2 hours from when I first made the call). The manager finally got there and was one of the rudest people I have ever met; I did not yell, cuss, or scream even when I had a huge urge to and he was still just an ugly person to my girlfriend and I. These people are a nightmare to deal with and I hope they go out of business, but they wont because they charged me $130 for a 2 mile tow and made me wait over 2 hours. read more

Towed my van even tho I spoke with manager on Monday that I have approval from my HOA and they even sent an email over stating that. Now I had to find a ride to go get my cause of course there not gonna tow it back right. What a joke of an outfit!! read more

If I could give them a zero, I would. Worst towing company around and the lady in the office is rude and unprofessional. If you are in an accident and have a choice to call a towing company for yourself, do so. If the police call you may get Shanks, I did. The driver was told at the scene of the accident to take my truck to a specific body shop. There were witnesses. Monday morning, I received a call from the body shop and was told my truck was not there. I called Shanks and the "lovely" lady that answered told me my truck was in the impound lot. I asked why and she said I never told them where to take it and had I, I would have had to pay at the time. I told them I would have done that if I was told that was the policy. That was never told to me or that my truck would not go to the body shop as requested. Now they are charging daily storage as well. I was told I had to sign release papers and pay to get my truck. I drove to 2 places before someone finally met me to sign the release. They did not give me a bill or a verbal price. I told them the body shop said they would have the bill paid when they picked it up. I was never told I could not do that or that a lien would be put on my truck. I received a notice from VA DMV today that they put a lien on my truck. Seriously!!!! Can't wait to see if the bill was paid when my truck was picked up. If it was, I think I will call my attorney to handle the rest. read more

Rude. Cocky male tow driver. The lady at the gate was nicer in person but bad mouth others who were picking up theirs cars. Worst customer service. Seems like predatory towing. They work with the local law enforcement so I guess having them backed up by the police organization explains their cocky and rude attitude. I have encountered other towing companies who were polite and very professional acting during their jobs. But this company is UNBELIEVABLY DISRESPECTFUL towards people. Reading other reviews on google and yelp says the exact same thing. Just awful. read more

Shanks illegally towed my car. I lived at this residence 24 hours and had permission to park in my spot until the HOA sent my car decals. I personally heard the office manager call Shanks and they still towed my car! read more

The biggest scam of all time. I live in apartments that work with shanks towing, you are allowed to park in visitors spots for one night only without a pass.. my boyfriend hadn't stayed over in a week and came over one night and got towed in less than 10 hours.... so that's the first illegal tow. The second time i made sure to get him a parking pass and surprise surprise TOWED AGAIN. The secretary is absolutely awful and should not still have a job. They also refused to let us speak to a manager, saying quote "that won't be possible" read more

Not at all surprised at the terrible reviews on here. I'm in stafford, va, at an apartment complex that has clearly labeled visitor spots. My boyfriend has stayed here every night for 3 weeks w zero issues, but woke up a couple days ago to his car towed by these guys. Photo evidence that he was in a visitor spot. Driver's reasoning? "He lives too close." Guess someone dubbed this guy "God of Visitor Spots." Manager eventually called to apologize to my boyfriend because his car (obviously) shouldn't have been towed. Fast forward a couple nights, aforementioned boyfriend works nights & came out to his car illegally towed again. This company needs to completely refresh their staff or just give up. Thanks for the apology, but you've now screwed up an entire morning/ afternoon as well as a night. Great job, guys. read more

This is the most infuriating experience I've ever gone through. The woman who is in the South office was completely inept. They make it very difficult to pick up your car and you have to make an appointment. They tried to charge us an extra day of impoundment. When trying to make an appointment the first day following towing (their hours made if next to impossible), they mentioned nothing of the daily impoundment fee or everything required to get your car. $300 tow! Unreal! These guys are scum... trolling around, looking for cars to tow. read more

If I could give no stars I would, towed my car from my home, told me it's $135 CASH ONLY?!?!? I go there with $135 and they tell me they never said that and that it's $185. Keep in mind they towed my vehicle less than 3/4 of a mile to their lot. Rude people, terrible ethics, I wouldn't wish dealing with these people on my worst enemy read more

These guys are sharks! They just towed my daughter's car out of her paid parking space (sticker on the car) in the garage of her apartment building. When we called to let them know they made a mistake and needed to bring the car back, they informed us that we would need to pay $130 to get it back. The kicker is that as they were towing the car, my daughter stopped them and told them it was her reserved space and offered proof. They just gassed it and took off with her car anyway. I don't know why anyone would hire these guys. They're incompetent and mean. They also have a sticker on the door of their office that says they are BBB accredited. But according to the Better Business Bureau's website, they get an F rating and are not recommended. Hmmmmm. read more

Rudest people I've dealt with. They have no customer service skills. They knew they entered a business that if someone car gets towed they would be dealing with angry customers. I was hung up on and rudely placed on a extended hold. When I went to pick up my car the idiot at the window took forever to come and didn't say anything to me when she finally came to. Never again will I ever use them for anything!!!!!! I absolutely hate them. read more

Horrible service. Called for a tow and no one showed. Called back and spoke with the same female that originally took my call and they gave me a different price along with taking another 2 hours to get out to me. Would not recommend this company to anyone who values honest business. read more

This place sucks. They told me I had to give a them a two hour warning before I came to get my car. Then told me I had to be there within the ten minute window or they would leave. I have been here waiting for 30 minutes and they have yet to show up. Fuck this place. read more

Omg!! Shanks towing Ashley and Ernest are the absolute best!! I worried Ashely to death to make sure my ex-partner was okay and got towed to where she needed while stranded! Ashley did everything possible to make sure we got her taken care of and even called me back to put my worries to rest that she was towed safely!! So again I can't thank you guys enough for being there at the weeeeee hours of the morning!! Any needs like this you have gained yourself a lifetime customer!!!! Ernest was also amazing in towing her and getting her home safe!!! Thank you again!! read more

not only they ripped the bumper off of my car when towing, they were extremely rude during the pick up. when trying to reach out to manager or the owner, I was refused to be provided with any information read more

This is the most predatory,rude and unprofessional towing company existing in Richmond.I can't believe any legitimate business in this city would stoop low enough to use their "services".Towing away people's vehichles is a dirty business to start with,but these people are on a power trip,have zero empathy with anyone and zero manners.They reflect poorly on those that use their services and I hope businesses will start paying attention to these reviews.You're no better than the company that you keep.Lie down with dogs and you're going to end up with mange yourself.They tell you one thing over the phone and when you get there to get your car the story totally changes. read more

NEVER EVER I REPEAT NEVER USE THIS TOWING COMPANY. I was told to call back at 6pm to schedule a pickup time to get my car. I call at 6 on the dot and the guy said "call AFTER 6" because the phone lines haven't switched over yet. So I called at 6:05 and the UNHELPFUL "after hours" girl told me "I am so sorry, we do not have anyone available for you to get your car" On top of that they wanted to charge me for another day because no one was available for me to pick up my own car. And I had to go to work. THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED IN MY LIFE. Also their website says 24/7 pick up for vehicles. FALSE ADVERTISEMENT jerks..... read more

On 6/12/14 my wife had a similar event happen with Shanks towing that Dorthy A. describes. She went into the post office and came out to find her car being towed. She was able to stop the driver and get our car back for no charge. A bystander told her that he called it in as he said he had seen her park in the post office and had gone into the bank next door. This was an out and out LIE as we don't even have an account with that bank. She also has her receipt from the post office. Furthermore, the police had no record of them reporting that they were towing our car. One star is too generous for these low lifes. read more

Heads up to all potential towing victims. I had my car towed this morning from Central Park because I failed to see the "Parking for Guru customers only" sign. Ok ... my bad. I accept responsibility for the parking violation. But on the other hand, Shanks Towing charged me $185 to retrieve the car and they treat you like a criminal when your finally get to their getto lot which I had to pay to get to by taxi. You have to deal with Shank's through one of those low life glass windows on the outside of their horrible building. Then they would not take my credit card and I had to get another taxi to go to an ATM to get cash. These people should be ashamed of the way they treat tow victims. Are they in cahoots with GURU restaurant? Just saying. Beware of this business if you have the misfortune of being towed by them. They are not nice people. read more

They are the absolute worst!!! Don't ever park anywhere they tow. They will tow you for absolutely no reason!!! It's just a money game to them!! Absolute crooks!!! read more

Be careful using this company whether you are calling for a Tow, looking for a Tow service for your business, or may just be walking down the street and see one of their trucks. You may want to move quickly away from the curb. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to have to deal with this company several times, whether professionally or personally as they are the "supposed" tow service for the resident complex I stay. I have never seen such horrible service by any business I have had to deal with whether professionally or personally. They have taken advantage of several of my neighbors here and while one takes what another says with a grain of salt, I have had more then just that one direct experience with them that not only validated everything that people have told me as well as what I have just read on this website. They do not come when you call for a tow and if they do, you can expect to wait for many hours for the truck to show. They do not patrol the parking lot I live at very often. There are abandoned vehicles without plates / tags, or vehicles that are parked illegally in no parking zones, on the grass, etc. Oh and in Winter, they do not tow vehicles regardless of how they are parked when there is snow. So if you are looking for a company for the entire year, look elsewhere. You almost have to beg to get them to come and do THEIR JOB. So if you are a business looking for a tow service for your lot, please, please, PLEASE, look elsewhere. You will have nothing but problems with this company. Also, they do not have a price structure, its variable pricing based on their sole discretion, and don't ask for an invoice or detail of charges. Whether you are calling for a tow, or were the unfortunate recipient of their shadiness of nabbing your car illegally, like they did to me, you will never pay the same price. One thing you can bet on though, is that what you pay, will be more then the last time they charged you. I actually was just coming out here to see if I could find any information on them since I have just had to deal with them when they nabbed my car illegally. Then I found the comments here and felt I just had to share my experience and give some validity to what others have posted. Because it is all true. This is a shady, shady, ran business. If you are thinking about using them for anything, please take all these comments seriously and look elsewhere for your two truck needs. Dont keep feeding those businesses who treat their customers as Shank treats theirs. read more

I am temporary staying with relatives while I wait to close on my house. I was not aware of the visitor policy at the apartment complex. I understand that everyone has a job to do and went after work to pay the $160.00 fee and retrieve my car. I asked the cashier, Dana, to show me documentation of my car in violation. She refused to show it to me and said that it is faxed to the apartment complex every evening. I had called the apartment complex early that morning and they explained that we need to ask the towing company for the documentation. So both places were telling me to talk to the other. It seems they plan it that way to ensure they are both getting money from the deal. Because I didn't want to get stuck with another $50.00 storage fee, I paid the tow fee. After paying the cashier, she sent us to the gate to be greeted by, Bud, who I believe must work for a different to company because he was wearing a G.L. Towing lime green t-shirt. All the local towing companies share one impound lot. We walked down to my car and after assessing it, I realize there are deep scratches underneath my driver's side headlight. I asked Bud about them and he immediately got defensive. He continued to argue with me claiming there was "dirt on top of the damage and it was there before". It had rained most of the day so his theory is invalid. He explained to me that the car was towed from the rear and that it was impossible for it to be scratch from that. This is also an invalid theory, because the scratches are so low on my car it would have to have been lifted up and angled down in order, much like on a tow truck being towed from the rear, to obtain the damage. After getting nowhere with Bud, I asked to speak to manager or the owner. He claimed he was the manager. I knew Chris Shanks was the owner and explained that to Bud. He replied "Chris isn't here and I could call tomorrow and complain, his name was Bud and he didn't give a fuck." He began walking away from me and continued to yell across the parking lot that I needed to "take my pictures and move my car or pay $50.00 to leave it here" I argued with him and explained that he could use some better customer service skills. He could have at least offered to refund even half of the money I paid. He returned with "Why the hell would I do that?!" I knew arguing with him was getting my nowhere, but more angry. He smelled like he had been drinking all day and working in the Law Enforcement field instantly made my feelers turn up. I know I am not the first person this has happened to. This company is full of corruption. They are paying people off, overcharging customers, breaking the law, selling themselves to any private property that will take them by offering them a cut. I can't believe that is has been allowed to happen and continue. I am a victim of a crime that is only allowed to be a civil suit. The sheriff's office should be able to go after these people criminally and right now they can't touch them. Shank's Towing are a bunch of crooks and will continue to scam citizens until someone does something about it. read more

So wake up today my car was towed for the 3rd time. I was parked in visitor even though my lease states I can park in visitor for up to 7 days they telling me it's 3 days per their agreement. Also, she tells my husband one thing then tells me another thing. The woman who claimed to be a manager talked over top of me didn't try to diffuse the situation at all and told me I had to take it up with the our apartment complex. Even when I asked to speak to Chris she told me I wasn't going to talk to him! Every time I have had to deal with this place they are rude, they pick on certain people (as we have lots of pictures to prove that others park there as well for more than 3 days, as they put it). I am reporting them to the better business bureau and wherever else I can to destroy what little bit of credibility they still hold in our county! Not to mention on the middle of all this coronavirus crap, I'm now stuck with no veh and have 2 kids that require medications, food and other things and another 200 they want me to pay!! Smh worst company I have ever dealt with! read more

I live in a community where shanks is the towing company to enforce parking...what a joke. When I lived in an apartment they were there driving around daily just waiting to tow someone. Funny that they wouldn't want to come tow an illegally parked vehicle that they get a call about not more than 2 miles from their place of business. Easy money for them youd think but noooo. What a damn waste. read more

If I could rate them lower, I would. I was towed out of my apartment parking lot. I have a sticker, and am legally allowed to park there. Someone parked over the line beside me, causing me to have to park on the parking spot line. This is after driving for 5 hours in traffic, after the holiday. I came down to leave for my 6am class the next morning, only to see that my car is gone. I called Shanks, for them to tell me I was double parked in my parking lot. I parked on the line due to someone else's poor parking job! So, you tow me, out of MY apartment parking lot. Their desperate and criminal. read more

So, here i am... Just got home finally after 2 weeks... At this point... 4 phone calls later and now still less than an hour and a half of being home( along with 40 minutes on hold with them^ and being HUNG UP ON mind you) i arrived home about 0130... Ever so slightly earlier(maybe 127?) i walked up stairs after parking my car to have a quick bathroom break and get the "sticker" for the car window so roughly 5-10 minutes at most... I hear a noise and look out my window as i grab the sticker and have to RUN down the stairs after my car! Then call shanks to be put on hold for 40 $(&(ing minutes and then hung up on... Either one of two things happened... Either the driver didnt put the straps on the wheels( which can damage them or the car as it isnt secured well then) or he couldnt feel the heat rolling out of the engine as he put the straps on... Either way me coming home finally for the first time is now gonna make me truly consider moving somewhere else or hounding the hoa to find someone else... Total bull$&/: that within 10 minutes of being parked you cant even get back in your car all because its "overnight" parking read more

towed my car illegally then called me a liar when i attempted to get my (stolen) money back.

Drivers are rude, the lady at the front desk is an awful human being. Their core business appears to be towing towing cars from badly labeled spots and then stealing anything valuable from that car if it is unlocked as we found several items missing from the car. read more

My daughter's car was towed from a visitors spot in Charles Towne Crossing after being there for 15 seconds. When a family member called to check on the car the manager and another women were very rude. I called and they was very nice because I was polite. Ms. Christy told me that she was looking at a picture and the parking pass is not in the car. I told her the parking pass has been in that car since July 28, 2018 when I purchased the car for my daughter. Ms. Christy stated that the parking passed had to be visual and in the picture it was not. The parking pass is in the car and visual. I told Ms. Christy that maybe the pass fell but it's inside the car. People don't have extra money to be wasting because this TOW COMPANY has not understanding they are about making money and that is it. My children had taking pictures of other cars and visitor spots that were not towed. So I'm trying to figure out was the tow guy sitting there waiting for a new 2018 Nissan Versa to pull up so he could tow it. Because this company also sale cars. I think because the pass was in the car they should have let it go for NO MONEY! All these bad reviews on this TOW COMPANY is not good and I think it should be investigated and shut down. I will be looking into this matter because this is not a good look. It's a lot more I want to say but I'm just going to ASK GOD TO SHUT THIS MONEY HUNGRY COMPANY DOWN! I've heard bad things about this place and the people that work there! and today I heard it all! Who wants to try and get a law suite against this company? read more

This company is the rudest most ignorant people I've ever met. After calling 5 times asked them come out tow car they didn't answer phone. Then finally answers to phone to a women who was rude and yelling and had no clue what they were talking about and charged way more then most around here. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY THEIR ARE BETTER WHO WONT RIP U OFF AND TREAT LIKE CRAP. read more

On the morning of 6/5/2014 at approximately 9:10 a.m. my 98 Honda Civic LX was illegally towed by Shanks Towing. I parked in a 15 minute parking zone in downtown Fredericksburg, and was out of my car for no more than 5 minutes, before I came back to find that my car was snatched and missing. After flagging down a Fredericksburg Police Officer, he then informed me that they receive several complaints, and that the company pays loiterers to call the company when someone leaves their car and doesn't go directly into the place of business. When I arrived at the towing company to address the situation, the receptionist was very rude and nasty, and proceeded to lie about the circumstances behind the towing from the beginning of the conversation. Her co-worker joined in and tried to "fix" her lies, and only contradicted themselves and made matters worse. They then claimed they didn't know their employee's name that towed the car. The also refused to give me my vehicle, which they illegally towed, and charged my $100. During the conversation, while I was explaining to them I was parked in 15 minute parking and was parked for no more than 5 minutes, the women turned to a large man sitting in the back and told them to "let out the dogs" on me. They were all very rude, they all lied profusely, they threatened me with assault by animals, and were racist towards me. I paid the $100 to regain custody of my vehicle, and left. At home, I looked up their company online and found many reviews in which other locals vehicles were illegally towed as well, referring to the company as "predators". This is a very bad business and I fully intend to follow through with criminal charges as well as a lawsuit. read more