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RACE Warns of Surge in Rogue Tow Trucks Targeting Stranded Drivers in Spain

The motoring club links the rise to misuse of connected V16 beacons alongside public incident maps that reveal stopped vehicles.

Overview

  • RACE issued an urgent alert this week about unauthorized tow operators who arrive unrequested after breakdowns or crashes.
  • These operators often pressure motorists to move vehicles to non-contracted workshops and later demand excessive fees.
  • RACE says publicly visible geolocation data and connected V16 safety beacons are being exploited to find vulnerable vehicles.
  • Drivers are urged to request help only through official channels, wait for SMS or app confirmation, verify identities, avoid upfront payments, and refuse to sign transfers without confirmation.
  • To restore traceability and trust, RACE is promoting digital platforms, real-time validation and AI-based monitoring, and it encourages reporting attempted scams to authorities while keeping all documentation.