Wanted NotTM

Although not "WANTED" by the FBI and other authorities, there are those who are NOT WANTED by society who also deserve proper recognition.  These are misbehaving individuals and companies which society could well do without -- at least most of us would be better off without some of the things they reportedly do.

A recent newspaper article describes how such ["wanted-not"] towing companies con legitimate businesses to inadvertently sign sleezy contracts granting the towing company the right to tow away, impound, and ransom vehicles left "after hours" on the businesses property. These towing vultures then lie in wait for the precise second the business, e.g., a restaurant, "officially closes - even with patrons still inside -- and grab their cars, and haul them away to hold them for ransom.

Another article describes how one of the ["wanted-not"] towing companies tow away, impound, and ransom vehicles left "without" permission from the property owner. This company is defying state law and has been issued a cease-and-desist order.  The State Patrol wants him out of business (as do his victims).

One article describes a related activity.  It describes how another ["wanted-not"] company gives out "parking citations" to customers of a well-known fast-food chain.  One customer received a $65 citation for eating his purchase in his vehicle while parked in the restaurant parking lot after using the drive-up window.  The citation was mailed to the customer three weeks after it happened! By "special arrangement" this firm is able to get private vehicle license information from the state database which they use to mail out citations and debt collection letters. Interesting - that same restaurant sometimes makes you wait in your vehicle in their parking lot after you have paid for your purchase at their drive-up window -- before they will even let you have what you purchased.

Dishonor Roll Candidates: Larry Porter TBT Towing, Seattle Washington John Tillison West Coast Towing, Kent Washington. West Coast Towing San Diego Parking Control Systems Denver and Seattle

	Heckman, Candace, "Park at your peril - The tow trucks are lurking," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2004-02-18 seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/161026_privatelot18.html
	Lewis, Peter; "Towing firm needs specific OK, judge says," Seattle Times, 2004-04-06 seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001872837_tow06m.html
	Heckman, Candace; "Eggs ... and $65 parking fine," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2004-08-28 http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/188350_tickets28.html

Vulture, Thief, Scoundrels, Ransom, Extortion, Rip-off, etc.