A friend was just towed after being in a place of business where they towed her from. The business and the police plead with these jerks to refund the money, but they refused. They are know for being predatory in their towing practices, and charge outrages amounts. They don't care. The worst...do not use this company if you can help it. Very hateful and mean.
Barnes towing is predatory and abusive to our community. I completely understand that towing can serve a useful function, but both the practices and pricing of this business are inhumane and should be illegal.
I went to get my nails done and when I arrived I realized that my blood sugar was low and I needed a drink or snack to care for my body while my nails got done. I walked around the corner and picked up a drink, came back 5 minutes later to get my nails done. When I came out 1.5 hours later my car was gone, and Barnes would not release my car even after being asked to do so by the employees (who verified that I was at their business), property manager and police. Not only that, they evaded my questions, lied to me, and were dismissive about the impact of their practices. I was out in the cold without a jacket and in flip flops, and they said that since I lived a 15 min walk away it was not a big deal. They also warned me immediately that price goes up every day they have possession, as well as if you need to use a card to pay. I am so sad that people treat each other this way and that chapel hill and carrboro haven't been successful in regulating them. I plan to take them to court, using the police report I filed, and seek damages
These people are predators who sit and wait to take your car and then charge you astronomical amounts to retrieve it. By far , my worst experience , i've had this year.
Just sit in your car, don't let him tow it.They'll lower the price down
Avoid this towing company at all costs. They prey on college students and others just trying to go about their day. I was towed within one minute of stepping off the Panera property to pick up a to-go order from Chipotle next door. The “warning” sign they point to is tiny and often hidden behind parked cars, making it easy for them to claim a violation.
In my opinion, their business model relies on catching people off guard rather than operating fairly. Think twice before supporting a company that profits through unethical, predatory practices.
Speak to your representative about house bill 199 regulating a cap on maximum amount chargeable for tows. Notice when you read these reviews the amount charged varies a bunch. We were charged 360$. This company is scum that charges insane prices when towed. If you do the research and look into WRALs post they made around 700k+ in 2023 from tows out of chapel hill and carrboro alone. How? Charging people nearly half a grand for a tow. 100$+ additional for debit cards. Remember to look into house bills and messaged representatives. Bill looking to be passed will limit the up charge to no more then 2%. I’ll pray for you guy. And do everything in my power to help cap what a tow company can charge. Anything over 200$ is unacceptable. 500$ can be the difference of life and literal death for some people paycheck to paycheck. And your rules that if anyone in your car leaves the parking lot you can tow is prime example of predatory behavior.
If I could give zero stars I would. Towed me in a Panera parking lot because I walked off the property to use the bathroom. Charges $150 extra fee for no cash but charges $360 for cash??? Robbers
Awful and predatory towing company. I recommend avoiding at all costs!!! I’m in shock it’s still operating in Chapel Hill despite an avalanche of complaints over the past 5 years. Parked and ate at Med Deli for 30 minutes, come back and the guy is there towing my car. The sign is not clear AT ALL by purple bowl that you have to be eating at the establishment on the one side and the area was closed off due to a police investigation. Pure awfulness
Charged $420 cash, while 1 week prior a friend was charged $360. Told no debit card or credit allowed. This company has no policies and no morals. Town of Chapel Hill should investigate for extortion and fraudulent practices
Barnes Towing is a predatory tower. I parked in Chapel Hill in the Panera parking lot, picking up dinner at both Chipotle and Panera. Without even giving me the benefit of the doubt or time, to go into Panera, they snatched my vehicle within minutes of my parking and towed 6 miles away. They ransomed my car for $360 cash or if you didn't have cash, you had to pay $450 on a credit card. This is extortion! I filed a police report, a report with Town Hall and contacted Panera Corporate. This was an illegal towing and Barnes Towing is part of an extoration scam to ransom cars for cash. They also took all of my belongings in the car with my medication as well! Outrageous.
Barnes Towing provided excellent service when my daughter was in a car accident. They were prompt, professional, and very clear in helping us understand the process during a stressful time. Their prices were reasonable, and everyone we interacted with was friendly and supportive. I’m very grateful for their help and highly recommend them!
Wasn't towed. Called bcs I had a flat, I was able to get the nuts off, but couldn't get the tire off. I called this place to get someone over. The dude gave me some tips over the phone. Sure enough, I got the wheel off, the spare on, and never had to pay them for any services. The least I could do was write a positive review. Thanks for the tips.
Proceed with extreme caution when dealing with this company. Highly recommend recording all interactions. I wasn't notified at all about my car being towed until I called them. Signs were not posted at all entrances, only one sign at one of two entrances and one sign in the middle of the parking lot. Not to mention their signs have a bolt blocking one of the numbers so I had to guess a few times in order to get through correctly. Once in their decrepit front office, they failed to validate the true owner of the car and didn't follow their posted vehicle release procedures (Pictures provided). They failed to provide any information on the management company they called or who they spoke with to confirm my car was to be towed so I couldn’t verify anything that was mentioned. No forms were provided or signed; as soon as they got the money, they gave the car back with nothing in print. Offered a "discounted" price if paid in cash, in quotes because they have a history of overcharging. Not even accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Whilst it’s not required, it just shows their lack of respect and responsibility for the people in their communities. BBB has their rating at an F for failing to respond to complaints against the business (Pictures provided). Long history of being investigated for their tow practices. Even longer history of complaints (Pictures provided). I understand tow companies may not have the best reputation, but it’s not everyday that a tow company sues the town they operate within. Extremely predatory, unethical, and exploitive tow practices. To wrap this up, do your research and follow the money.
Adam was friendly, knowledgeable, and handled my car with care. He explained what he was doing at every step and made sure the vehicle was securely loaded before leaving.I really appreciated their promptness and professionalism during a stressful situation. I hope I don’t need a tow again anytime soon, but if I do, I’ll definitely be calling Barnes towing again.
My vehicle was towed by Barnes Towing and I was charged over $400 to retrieve it. I was also denied an itemized receipt.
Please contact your NC House Representative to express support for HB 931, the "End Predatory Towing Fees and Practices" bill.
I had a very frustrating experience with this company involving what I believe to be predatory towing practices. The fees charged were high and lacked transparency - I was not provided with a clear or itemized receipt, which made it difficult to understand the basis for the cost.
Personally, I would never choose to do business with this company again. If you've had a similar experience, I recommend reaching out to your NC House Representative to express support for HB 931, the "End Predatory Towing Fees and Practices bill". This legislation aims to address the kinds of issues I encountered and may help prevent future harm to others in the community.
Same story as multiple people here, predatory scam. We parked our car and went into a store adjacent to the lot and came out 15 minutes later to find it towed. When I tried to argue they basically said we would have to pay cash or they wouldn't release the car. It took us arguing for over an hour to get them to take credit card. Closest ATM is 2 miles away. We even called the police during this process and they couldn't help. They get to steal your car and you have to pay them to get it released and you have no recourse. I have no idea how the elected officials in Chapel Hill let this happen.
Barnes has been so helpful to me on many occasions. If we break down Barnes is the company that we contact! They're always there as quick as they can, very professional, and very polite! Reading the reviews on this page are all coming from people that did not read signs before they parked! Thank you Barnes and all of your team for always being so helpful.
Owner states policies that aren’t even written and makes her own rules. Had her man take a picture of my license and debit card on his personal phone. I asked to see the policy about storing financial information and she states there isn’t one. Then had her lil minion come out to try and fight because I kept asking about the policy. Unprofessional and aggressive. They have people sitting waiting like predators in a McDonald’s parking lot to tow your car. Get cash before you go because they will charge 150$ more if you use a debit card. Not to mention that they have you sign a consent to use the card so the need to store on his personal device is invalid but I am watching and nothing better attempt to be used or I will sue for the whole company. Record your interactions with this company because they are janky. Included is the photo of the man who stored my financial information on his personal cell and the minion who almost got beat up.
Absolutely predatory and they know it. We parked in a complex, walked across the street to eat lunch and then came back to go to the bookstore and our car was gone and I speculate it was towed within minutes of us leaving. We were away from our car for 45 minutes total but because we ate lunch first instead of going to the bookstore first we were towed. Not to mention the towing sign is mixed in with a ton of other signs and it was not obvious in the slightest. The lady on the phone is rude and definitely enjoys how upset you get. Can’t wait to call and have them investigated for predatory towing. Hope they lose their license because every other towing place around charges $150 and they charged $340 cash and $400+ for card.
Got a flat tire while camping at Jordan Lake. Adam came quickly to tow my car to Mr. Tire. He was very friendly and kind. Even suggested places to eat while I waited for my car to get fixed. Thanks so much Adam!
Absolutely criminal. Parked at Carr Mill Mall for dinner, walked across the street to the paper store since we had 10 minutes until our reservation. Came out from dinner and the car was gone. Called Barnes and they told us we walked off property, so it was going to cost $415 credit/debit or $340 cash to get the car back. Shameless, predatory, tax-evading business epitomized.
My experience with Barnes Towing was top notch. Called and they worked with me to schedule a time to come get my truck that was convenient to me and my family. Very professional, experienced and easy to work with. Towed to the mechanic of my choice. Price was fair. Tow truck driver kept me informed when he was close to being there. Would definitely call on them again if needed.
We were at carmill mall shopping for mothers day. Went to Sophia's and my muses card shop. We were going venables for lunch but they had just closed after lunch. We went across the street to the spotted dog for lunch. This is when the management at carmill mall called Barnes towing to remove my truck from the lot. We caught the tow truck before it left the lot. Cost 200 in cash to get the truck back. Between carrmill mall management and barnes towing this is appsalutly a predatory practice. There have been plenty of complaints about this practice. It was even on the news. Looks like chapel hill, carrboro and the store owners that are probably loosing business. Could do something about the parking lot tyrants that sit ready to pounce at the 1st miss step.
Echoing the predatory claims. I have been a resident of Chapel Hill for years and parked in the lot by Chimney/Fifth Third Bank for YEARS. Got towed and charged $380. Couldn't get $300 from an ATM at 10:00pm, so was forced to pay $380. Mind you, the additional 80 is added because when its credit card payment they have to pay taxes. Fishy.
This company is running a scam. They prey on the elderly especially. I did not see the sign when entering a parking lot downtown but parked in front of the sign pictured. It was after hours and all the businesses in the lot were closed. After dinner I came out and had been towed. $380 to get my vehicle back. The town of Chapel Hill should be ashamed allowing this to happen.
Towed me from parking lot that said business customers only. Since the lot was next door to the business I assumed it was allowed. I was away from my car for exactly 4 mins and my car was already hooked up to the wrecker. They charged me $300 to put it down even though the sign says $200. And again, I saw the sign and assumed it was a shared lot between the two businesses. I believe they were waiting and watching.
We had a great experience with our towing situation. We had just bought a new sports car and the snow came down so fast we couldn’t make it home. We slid on an exit ramp and couldn’t move. Cars were piling up all around us. We just knew our new car was going to get hit. Daniel was very responsive, took great care of our new car, followed us to the church parking lot, and gave us tips for a great route home. Crappy day ended the best it could. We would call them again in a heartbeat!
Experienced a flat tire, in the dark, on a country road about an hour from home. Unfortunately my car does not have a spare. My first and only call was to Barnes towing. Not only was I confident that my car would arrive safely but I felt comfortable riding along with the driver. Thanks for being there for us.
Had my car nearly towed after parking and leaving it for no more then 5 minutes, was then strong armed into paying $200 cash and signing a receipt, of which I was not shown the details, by an aggressive and disrespectful man. I discovered later that the receipt I signed prevents me from disputing the transaction or holding them accountable for damages to my car, again I was not shown any of this before signing. After reading many of the reviews I can see that this is an all around exploitative and predatory business. Do not use this business’s services. If I could leave lower than a 1 star review I would.
Predatory and shady. Will tow your vehicle based on "video of you leaving the property" which is not actually video of you. Will tow your vehicle without the knowledge or consent or even desire of the property owner. They have been sued before for their despicable practices and are about to get sued again.
Comically, one of their trucks has The Grinch on it, which is an unlawful misappropriation of intellectual property, and ironic because they will 100% steal your car, and would take your roast beast if they could get it.
A property that uses Barnes is a reason not to frequent that property. You have no way of knowing whether or not they'll tow you. Parking lawfully while conducting business on that property is no guarantee.
