Absolute scum of the earth work here. They harassed and yelled slurs at my sister who got her car towed with no apology or accountability for not immediately seeing the correct entrance. The employees here have zero empathy. I highly urge anyone in Arlington who needs a towing service to look literally anywhere else
I work in the mall this company towed my car after parking for less than 5 minutes, I parked my car at 10:21 am and came out the mall at 10:26 am car was gone. An employee at ritz Carlton explained this company towes cars unattended by the mall as soon as the driver leaves thankfully he gave me the address of the company. I arrived at the tow lot at 10:42 am This terrible company charged me $160 when the car wasn’t even in there lot for more than 20 minutes neither parked by the mall 5 minutes. Predatory service horrendous towing company.
Company is a scam. Sign said 30 minute parking limit. I just ran in for about 5 mins and when I returned my vehicle was already being towed. Had to pay over $200 to get it back. Unlawful towing.
Obviously not a good reason as to why i was there, but the lady at the window was nice and even explained as to why car was towed, and where to park next time! She was awesome.
I parked my car on Columbia Pike, went into the market for two minutes. When I parked, I didn’t see a warning sign about parking—maybe there was, but I didn’t notice. When I went to retrieve my car from the towing company, I paid. The worst part is I had to wait an hour because they said a driver had to come tow the other cars blocking mine. This is a very irresponsible towing company.
I am reading these reviews and it seems like everyone has been having the same problem. These people think just because they r miserable every other person should stoop down to their level. They seriously need a whole new staff management and fire all these people especially that white old lady with the glasses who didn’t even introduced herself and started yelling at me just because I asked a simple question like I thought good customer service was also part of the job description. And then she had the audacity to shut the window on me and purposely picking a call up just so I waited outside in the cold for a longer period of time. Like respectfully you just work there you don’t own the place your job is to provide a service with a smile and yet your telling me come in the morning instead just cuz she doesn’t like my attitude ? And to be fair the way her body language was even a saint would’ve said something And then on top of that first time ever I saw someone printing out my drivers license without my consent and stating no reason for it and keeping it. Ethically this place is screwed up there is zero morale they only care about themselves if anyone is coming to look for stress feel free to drop by anytime
If I could leave a 0 star review I would. The manager Gina, acts as if she is the owner John O'Neil. My Audi Q7 was towed from a visitor parking space in Arlington, VA, despite my having a visitor pass issued by the property owner. Upon retrieving my vehicle, I observed clear physical damage that was not present prior to the tow, including: A flat tire A broken rear tail light
Which if you see how close they have the cars together you can't even open your door to get out.
I initially submitted a towing complaint through Arlington County Government. I received photos directly from them to prove before they towed my vehicle that it wasn't damaged. I now have both the time-stamped images provided by Advanced Towing showing the condition of my vehicle before it was towed, as well as time-stamped photos taken immediately after I retrieved the vehicle from the lot.
They still would prefer me take it to court, which is ultimately what you have to do against predatory companies such as these.
They’re predatory. They operate without a shred of human decency.
At 6 a.m., I parked next to Gold’s Gym, in a spot marked for Perfect Eyebrow, which doesn’t even open until 10 a.m.. My car was towed within minutes - $165 gone, for a parking “violation” in a half-empty lot. The sign? Barely visible in the dark.
By noon, I’d already heard multiple similar stories. It’s not an isolated incident — it’s a racket.
And when people say, “Rules are rules,” I have to ask - should police hand out tickets for going 1 mph over the speed limit? Should we be punished for existing in the wrong place at the wrong second?
This isn’t about rules. It’s about profit through predation.
Does anyone know how to file an official complaint with Arlington or report these towing practices? Because this isn’t just unfair - it’s systemic abuse.
Wanted to dine at carbonara - found a parking lot opposite but it was dark and we didn’t see any signs so I parked. Only after my car was towed I realise there are 2 signs - one facing the wrong direction from incoming traffic and the other hidden under a dimmed light in a dark area. The bike shop is vacated so no one authorised the tow. And my car was towed within 10mins of parking. They intentionally tow for profit at the expense of others.
I am a tourist visiting from California, and my experience with Advanced Towing was a masterclass in predatory, exploitative practices. I cannot believe this is legal, and I urge the County of Arlington to investigate.
Here is what happened: I went to dinner at Carbonara, the Italian restaurant in this plaza. I parked in the large, mostly empty lot shared with Gold's Gym and a vacated Trek bike store. Within 5-10 minutes of parking, my rental car—with all my vacation luggage inside—was towed by Advanced Towing.
Let's be clear: this was not about protecting parking for customers. The lot was nearly empty. This was a calculated ambush.
The "signage" is a deliberate trap. One sign at the entrance is twisted completely around, facing away from incoming traffic. The other is placed in the dark window of the vacated Trek store, under a noticeably dim light, making it virtually invisible at night. This is not compliance with the law; it is a deliberate effort to hide the rules until it's too late.
I had to pay $200 to get my car and my own belongings back. This is a scam that preys on visitors and residents alike. The speed of the tow, the intentionally obscured signs, and the holding of my personal luggage for ransom is outrageous.
I am filing a formal complaint with the Arlington County Police and I encourage everyone who has been wronged here to do the same. Do not let these predatory practices continue. Businesses in this plaza should be aware that this is how their customers are treated.
Nothing else to really say. Reviewers pretty much match up with their service. My vehicle was towed and even when I explained that I literally work not even 500 feet away from where I was towed they said they were going off what they’re driver was telling them of which I tried even asking on the scene why I was being towed and instead the driver decided to drive off without giving me a answer. Very unprofessional and is not how you conduct business. I should not have to leave work for your wrong doing
This dude almost ran me over and then proceeded to threaten me and harass me when I called him out abt being careful of people crossing the street, not even towing related, but this really shows the unprofessionalism and criminal activity this company is involved in and allows to go on with their company operators. No wonder this company is hated by everyone in Arlington
They are very rude and disrespectful. Especially Gina, I’m not sure what her tittle is. They damaged my car during or after they brought it to the lot. I gave Gina a call about it. Without even hearing the facts she jumped to conclusions of denying the damage was done by them. She lied about looking into the issue on Wednesday even though the report was done on Thursday. They’re scammers. Arlington county needs to shut them down. Look at the reviews.
The woman who works the front desk blonde, heavyset was extremely rude and racist towards me - even yelling at me at some points . I was visibly crying and distressed after my car was towed from being parked maybe 5 minutes. She threatened to call the cops on me after I paid to get my car released simply because I was upset and crying over an understandably stressing situation. I truly have never met someone who had no compassionate and so condescending truly one of the worst experiences of my life.
If I could give 0 stars I would. As everyone else has said, this company is extremely predatory and will not even own up to their mistakes. They wouldn't refund a friend of mine even when he had paperwork from rhe DMV proving they were in the wrong. Gold's Gym in Arlington is their main area - steer clear!!!!
They towed my car today while I was seeing a patient of mine in one of the condos in Falls Church. I’ve been seeing that patient for the past three months and have been parking there without any problems. But today, Advanced Towing towed my car even though I told them that I was visiting a resident in that building and the people at the front desk were aware of that. I was late for my patients and I had to pick up my car from the tow lot. During my quick break I decided to check my car to make sure they didn’t damage anything and viola, there were some scratches in my bumper. SMH. I’d have to file a dispute with my credit card so they can investigate this. Advanced Towing doesn’t operate like a business—it preys on people.
Also, the woman in their office—blonde, heavyset—is shockingly rude, as though you owe them your car.
They towed my vehicle from the building (parking garage) I’ve lived in for over a year for not displaying a parking placard. Said placard was always in place but somehow was not there when I went to pick up my vehicle. They either accidentally or intentionally destroyed it by accessing my vehicle so they could tow my vehicle and receive payment. Not much I could do even when demanding proof. Highly illegal. Please be aware.
Who tows the towing company that parks illegally in Arlington? Advanced Towing was parked illegally at the corner of Washington Boulevard and N. Lincoln Street in order to surveil the Giant grocery store parking lot on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 12:35pm.
This company towed my vehicle and caused major damage, and is now denying all responsibility.
They took my car without my permission, and when I got it back, it was completely undrivable. The damage included:
A hole in the rim
The engine won't start and smells like it’s burning
A gap between the bumper and the hood
Cameras no longer working
Despite clear physical damage, the company has refused to provide their insurance information and is denying all responsibility. This is not only unprofessional — it's completely unacceptable.
0 STARS. My BMW was towed from an unmarked spot, and I was charged $185. Upon retrieving my vehicle, I discovered that the towing personnel had accessed the car, placed it in neutral, and in doing so, caused damage to the gearbox. Additionally, the gear cover was not properly reinstalled, and the front lip of the car was damaged.
To make matters worse, the staff I interacted with were unprofessional and rude. I recommended call the cops. Also I strongly advise others to thoroughly inspect their vehicles after get towed by them both externally and internally, to ensure no damage has occurred.
This place literally steals from people. My car was towed from a shopping center. Despite showing them the receipt of my purchase from shopping center, I was charged the towing fee. They are not only unprofessional, but they are also rude and disrespectful. I have already filed a complaint with ACPD.
Their treatment is terrible, they are some of the worst people. May God take them. I told them I am pregnant and left my car for two minutes in the Giant parking lot to get something. When I came out of the supermarket, my car was gone. I had to walk for half an hour in the sun to get to their place. I didn't have money to pay for an Uber, and they charged me $155. I hope you spend it on your cancer treatment soon.
Centro gave me a temporary parking pass and said to park in white outlined and unnumbered spots. I grabbed the closest spot to my elevator that matched the description and woke up to my car gone.
I didn’t see/notice/pay attention to the signage when I parked, was just looking for what I was told- “white outlined, unnumbered spot”. So when they told me it was employee parking I figured I had messed up. Then I get back and see this is the signage I was next to… absolutely ridiculous.
I miss my old place where tow trucks only came when invited (someone in your spot? They’ll be gone in an instant. Friend staying the night? Park in an unused spot worry free) These vultures should be ashamed.
Predatory, they damaged our car and now they dont want to even talk to us. We are putting a lawyer on this case, both of the ladies are terrible customer service. I dont know how a bussiness like this can still manage to run after all the reviews. If you can sue them, do it. We will do it.
I went inside the store just 15 mins,they towed my car which is I bought stuff at the store. I have to paid for the fee $155 to get my car out,they didn't want to move other cars out for me,I barely moved my car out was a really tight spot. I gave her a recipe of stuff I bought. Then she throw back to my friend face,I did not throw to her face,I gave it to her to see the details. I swear to the gods!! I do believe in karma and will talk to my lawyer, no worry anything. They're not a good people. On another hand there're many great people out there in this world!!
There's a lot of horrible reviews about vigilante towing and excuses, but honestly- people should be more careful about where they park.
This situation is different
I was towed from an apartment complex i was visiting and parked in a spot with no number. came out and i was towed. Apparently i parked in spot 86- but it wasn't painted...
the apartment had done construction and cut a trench through the parking lot, repaved and paved over that spots number- Advanced refused to admit their mistake- Apartment refused to admit a mistake (and repainted their lot the next day after I asked to be reimbursed) good luck out there- thanks for my military service, screw me...
Had a situation where a friend with a handicap tag forgot to place their parking slip in the window. These folks had been called to tow them early in the morning. After some quick conversations and explaining the situation, they made it right! Downside was waiting by the smelly dumpster to make it to the window. Also, I would have looked in the vehicle before towing it to see if one of the buildings' slips was there, especially for a person with handicapped tags.
Great experience! I love being lied to. I love it when strangers scratch my car and claim they didn't do it. (A bit of sarcasm) They're going to tell you they don't pick your car up by the back tires but they do: (See pics and video evidence) CHECK THE FRONT OF YOUR CARS!!! DON'T TRUST THEIR WORK.
These folks are vicious, but they’re doing their job above and beyond! On a good day, two of them sit in a pickup truck on a parking lot. As soon as a visitor leaves premises, those two guys take a picture and give a call to their tow team. Within 20 minutes they towed three cars from the same parking lot!
But hey, I didn’t read the restriction about not leaving the shopping mall premises, and that’s my fault.
And if you’re wondering how much it costs to get your car back, it’s $135-160 (as of November 2019).
3800 S Four Mile Run Dr Suit F, Arlington, VA
3900 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA
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