Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Wheel Blockers's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Wheel Blockers

  401 Hawthorne Ln STE 110-192 Charlotte, NC 28204-2484

  
• 

  Wheel Blockers

  1326 Ashby Street Charlotte, NC 28206

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/12/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am submitting a complaint regarding WheelBlockers Towing. On April 12, 2025 at approximately 11am, I parked at the ******************************* at *************************************. I was grocery shopping at the ************************* and picked up a quick coffee across the street before making my grocery run. In total, I was parked in the parking lot for under an hour. Upon returning to my car, I found it booted and was charged $275 for removal. The signage did not clearly display this fee and said "****** ****** Customer Parking Only" - given I was a legitimate customer of ****** ******, I believe this constitutes a predatory practice. I am requesting a full refund of this excessive fee.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  As you stated you left the property to go elsewhere to grab a coffee. Parking is very limited and for for actual customers. Once you left the property to go elsewhere you were not a customer of ****** ******. And yes signs are clearly posted at each entrance per city ordinance and throughout the lot stating Towing Enforced ****** ****** Customer Parking Only. Again as parking is such a huge issue in that area we advise you to pay attention to all signage and follow the parking rules set in place to avoid putting yourself in this type of situation. You did leave the property and therefore WheelBlockers will not be issuing a refund for your mistake of illegally parking. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/04/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Wheel lock charges and excessive amount for a tow service. They charged me $375 when my car was not on the lot for even an hour. Additionally, they towed my car less than 10 minutes down the road. Tow truck companies are predatory, and additionally the spot in which I parked was previously an available spot however, I recognize that it was no longer a spot and unfortunately I missed the signage and did indeed park in a spot where they were allowed to tow. Despite this $375 is excessive in current market conditions combined with the amount of time of which my car was on the lot and how far the car was needed to be towed does not match the fee charged. Additionally the business that owns the lot was not affected as they were closed and suffered no monetary losses. I feel that the fees charged truly does not match the serviced provided and therefore I should receive part the fee back. $375 is not only excessive but also unnecessary compared to the services and I did not commit an actual crime.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/11/2025

  Unfortunately you were illegally parked and not authorized to park there. Signs are posted as you stated with the fees included and the towing is enforced 24/7. Please follow the parking rules going forward to avoid this situation. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/12/2025

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  the practice is predatory and egregious in the amount charged. The nation average is $109.
  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/12/2025

  Thats not the price for an impound tow. You were illegally parked and that is the fee as posted on the towing signs that you failed to comply with. Please respect others property and parking rules they have set in place to avoid putting yourself in a situation to be towed. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/14/2025

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The point is your fee for the service provided is the highest I have ever seen in *********. $375 for 2 miles down the road and impounded for less than an hour is egregious and predatory. Additionally that lot used to belong to small bar and I have always parked there plenty of times. The business that owns the lot wasnt even affected. I thought the tow sign was for small bar parking only as that is the only business in the area attached to the lot.
  

  Technically it is also not illegal to park there, so your use of the term is unfounded.

  I am not asking for a full refund, just a reconsideration for the amount charged in comparison with the service provided. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/30/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The date of the incident was 3/29/2025 around 14:02. My fianc parked in a spot across the street from the vendor he was trying to go to. The parking lot reserved for this vendor was full and he just went to the nearest place. He did not realize the towing sign was there but was informed by the sign on the vendors door stating that they were enforcing towing. So he walked across the street to move his car just in case. So in a matter of 30 seconds, a boot was being put on his car. Keep in mind the boot wasnt fully on yet when he arrived back to move the car. He asked the guy to let him go since the boot wasnt on fully yet and he said to pay him the $250, that there was nothing he could do. My fianc asked him, come on man I literally just walked across the street and came back and now Im being charged $250? The guy then whipped out a knife threatening him saying he needs to back up or he will get stabbed. Im sorry, never in my life have I ever heard of such horrible experience all over a boot. My fianc was standing by his car and had ever right to be there and was not being threatening by any means. To have this guy then threaten him with a knife is unacceptable. I called today to make a complaint to the company and they laughed and said there is nothing they will do and hung up. Im upset we were charged when he was standing right there to correct the situation. Im furious my fiancs life was threatened over this. And Im furious that when confronted, this business laughed and did nothing. I would like at least an acknowledgment or apology from the company but did not receive anything. Again, this is not safe practice. Had my fianc been someone to not keep his composure, this could have ended differently. Possibly with injury or even death. I want policy to change for this company going forward. I would like to be refunded since this was not following policy or law.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/16/2025

  That doesnt even make sense that an employee of ours whos just doing his job would pull out a knife. Its always the other way around with our employees getting harassed and threatened for just doing their job and the person who is illegally parked is upset because their vehicle is being booted or towed. Signs are posted per city ordinance stating the parking rules and fees for violators. Please follow those rules and respect others property going forward to avoid putting yourself in that situation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/24/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am reaching out seeking assistance regarding an incident in the Milkbread parking lot in ************* that occurred yesterday evening, 3/23. Address: ********************************************* My husband and I parked in the Milkbread parking lot and ate dinner before going to see a show two blocks away. After eating, my husband asked a Milkbread employee if it would be okay for us to leave our car where it was and walk to the show, and he was told the car should be fine. It was 7:45 and Milkbread closed at 8:00. Additionally, we checked the signs for the parking lot which state only that parking is for ********* customers only, which we were, so we didn't think twice about leaving our car there.After the show around 9:40, we returned to find our car on the back of a tow truck. We were told that our only two options were to pay $350 to have it released or to have it towed and pay $450 to pick it up. We paid the requested $350 so that we could get home.We are reaching to seek a full refund from Wheel Blockers. We feel that there is nothing posted on the signage that meant that our car could not be there (we were customers) and we felt assured by the employee that we spoke with that leaving our car would not be a concern. Looking back at the evening, we feel that we did all that we could to guarantee that our car would be okay, and the $350 fine is not only unexpected, but also incorrect.I also want to bring to the Wheel Blockers attention that the sign posted references City Ordnance 4608, and in Section ***** A is says "Any towing service that has initiated a trespass tow... but has not completely removed the trespass motor vehicle from the private parking lot, shall upon the request of the vehicle owner or operator, release said vehicle without a charge." This was not something that we were aware of until doing a bit of research after the incident, but based on our understanding, we should not have been charged any amount.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/09/2025

  The rules are set in place by management and parking is only for ********* customers only. Once you left the property you were no longer a customer and the vehicle should have been moved. Parking is very limited in that area and only while being a customer on site. We would suggest speaking with the person that told you it was ok to leave your vehicle on site to go elsewhere. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2025

   
  I am rejecting this response because: Most importantly, City Ordinance 4608, Section ***** A says "Any towing service that has initiated a trespass tow... but has not completely removed the trespass motor vehicle from the private parking lot, shall upon the request of the vehicle owner or operator, release said vehicle without a charge."  What happened on this night is in direct violation of the City Ordinance, regardless of signage, conversations with employees, or any other circumstance.  We found our car in the process of being towed, but it had not been removed.  There should have been no charge to release our car from the tow truck, and yet we were charged $350.  Based on this ordinance, not only should we receive a refund for the money charged, but the person who charged us should be addressed.  I would remind Wheel Blockers that ordinance violations can be charged as criminal or civil offenses.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2025

  Unfortunately the reason you were booted and being towed is because you were illegally parked. Instead of trying to find blame or fault with us for doing our job, you should not have parked there and this situation would not have occurred. The city ordinance changed years ago and again we did our job correctly and you were charged the correct amount that is posted on the towing signs as well. Going forward please pay attention to those signs and respect others property and rules to avoid putting yourself in that situation. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2025

  I am rejecting this response because: Thank you for helping me understand the ordinance better - I was able to find the 2025 version and you are correct that it has been updated.  That being said, I still maintain that we were not illegally parked due to the fact that we were customers.  We have the receipt to show that we were customers.  We were following all rules posted on the sign.  We did respect the rules and the property by 1) reading and following the sign and 2) checking with the business to remain parked there.  The sign only says "Customer Parking Only" but does not list a time limit or hours.  The business was closed when we were towed, but that does not negate the fact that we were customers.  Now that I am looking at the accurate 2025 ordinance, I want to reference Sec. *****, "If parking is only allowed for a specified time, then the sign shall specifically state the days and hours when parking is permitted."  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2025

  As you stated the business was closed and how can you be a customer at that time if the business is closed. Customer Parking Only. The Only is very clear. If they are closed or youre not a customer the whole time you are parked there or if you leave to go elsewhere you are not a customer. There doesnt have to be a time stamp because the rules are the same 24/7. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2025

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  We were customers of Milkbread at the time we parked. We have a timestamped receipt showing that we dined at the business immediately before leaving our vehicle. The sign states "Customer Parking Only"and we were, in fact, customers. If there are limitations to the duration or scope of customer parkingsuch as requiring that a customer be physically inside the business or that parking is only allowed during business hoursthen the sign must explicitly state those restrictions. Your interpretation of "Customer Parking Only" is overly restrictive, arbitrary, and not supported by the signage as posted.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/22/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On the morning of 02/08/25, my daughter and I went to *********** to pick up some dog treats and get a ***************** I parked and walked across the street to ********* and my daughter, *******, ************************************************ ***********. When I walked back, I passed my car and saw the boot on my tire. I looked around and a man walked up and said because I left the parking lot I got booted. I told him my daughter was in Pet Supplies Plus at that time shopping. He said the signs say "Customer parking only" which means you can't leave the parking lot. I argued we are customers she was in the store at that time. He was extremely rude and repeated I left therefore, I get a boot and have to pay $250. I then called my daughter and told her to not spend any money in that store since we were being punished due to me leaving the parking lot. She stated she was in line to pay, and I again said, "don't spend any money, he is making me pay $250". He took my credit card, and license and said "sign". I scribbled my signature on the corner roof of my car, and he then told me if I did not sign my name properly, I would have to pay cash, and he was not going to remove the boot. I signed again. My daughter appeared and we left.The signs posted do not say anything about not being able to leave the parking lot. I have shopped at the plaza many times before and then walked across the street for something else for years. If Pecan Point wants to employee, Wheel Blockers" then the signs need to say you cannot leave the premises. Wheel Blockers is disregarding what the sign states which is "Customer Parking Only". We were customers!!! I do not have to make a purchase to be a customer and I do not have to only be a customer to that plaza according to the sign.I want a refund, and signs changed since Wheel Blockers are preying on customers to park and walk off the premises without regard to them shopping at *********** or not.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/09/2025

  The signs clearly state customer parking only for ***********. Once you leave the property you are not a customer at that time. All signs are in compliance with the city ordinance and signs are on each business stating do not leave the property. Unfortunately parking is very limited in that area so please pay attention and follow the parking rules. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/09/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I parked in **************** for a little over two minutes. After being told *** restaurant is not included in that parking I immediately returned to my car to find someone not even finishing booting it. I witness him tell two African American people to move so they arent booted like I was. I have never felt more discriminated against. Mind you the restaurant touches the parking lot I parked in. See signage photo. The moment I realized that address wasnt included indented to move. I also have broken leg so was moving as fast as Possible. Had my leg not been broken I could have ran and all Would have been avoided. The signage is not clear. He refused to take the boot off. In addition I was walking in with someone mixed and she didnt get a boot. I feel he discriminated against me due to me being white. He let all the African American by without a boot and a way out. He Was the most rude human I have ever met. His credit card system was not working and he flicked my card back at my face and told me figure out a way to get cash and it wasnt his problem his equipment wasnt working. He should be ashamed. This business is incredibly rude and unfair and discriminates against others.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/09/2025

  Thats totally untrue and we will not entertain your racist allegations in hopes of getting a refund for your mistake of being illegally parked. You parked and left the property to go elsewhere so theres no way you thought the establishment you visited was part of the businesses in the lot in which you parked. Signs are posted per city ordinance stating the parking rules and fees for violators. Please follow those rules going forward and respect others property to avoid this type of situation. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/10/2025

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Firstly the signs was small and had an address. I visited a business that was attached the parking lot where I parked. When I went to door and saw it didnt match I came immediately back to move my car. The racist allegations are defiantly true. I have witness to atest to it. There were three non white people who parked there. Two were told to move by the driver and the other was not booted. I stand by my complaint. I was racially discriminated against. And its also interesting you didnt deny how rude the worker was when he flicked my card back into my face after his machine failed to work. This was racially motivated and I stand by that. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/01/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Wheel blockers is operating completely illegally and should be held liable for their improper business ethics along with criminal behavior. This company is illegally towing vehicles and then extorting customers to get their car back. ***** at all costs and customers need to put together a class action lawsuit.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/02/2025

  You had to have been illegally parked and in violation of the parking rules set in place for the property you were towed from. Signs are clearly posted per city ordinance at any property we service stating Towing Enforced along with the parking rules and fees for violators. Going forward please respect others property and follow the parking rules to avoid putting yourself in this type of situation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/27/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am submitting a complaint regarding an incident that occurred on Feb 27th in ************************** at 9:30pm, involving Wheel Blockers Towing and ***********************. They attempted to tow my vehicle but had not completed the process when I arrived. Despite this, they charged me $325, which I believe is excessive and potentially unlawful under ********* towing regulations.Additionally, I did not see any clear or visible signage prohibiting parking in this area. I have a video recording and photos showing the tow truck's plate and the lack of signage.I request an investigation into this matter and clarification on whether this charge complies with *********s towing laws. Please let me know the next steps I should *********: ****** ********* ******* Phone: ********** Email: ****** ********* ******* Address: **************************************************************************** Best regards, ****** *********

  Business Response

  Date: 03/02/2025

  Signs are posted at each entrance per city ordinance. Signs are even posted throughout the property as an extra courtesy stating parking for the businesses only. Your vehicle was booted initially and then dispatched for tow. Fees are posted in those signs at both entrances with the fees for towed or booted vehicles. This is private property and you were not a customer of the businesses on site which resulted in you being illegally parked. Going forward please respect others property and follow the parking rules that are posted. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/02/2025

  Dear BBB Representative,
  Wheel Blockers' response is misleading, lacks proof, and fails to justify their excessive charge.
  1. No Proof I Wasnt a Customer
  They cannot prove I wasnt a customer of the businesses on-site. Their claim is speculative and should be dismissed unless they provide concrete evidence.
  2. Lack of Clearly Visible Signage
  I did not see any visible signage prohibiting parking.
  If they claim signs were at each entrance and throughout the property, they must provide timestamped photos proving they were clear, legible, and properly placed on the day of the incident.
  3. Unfair & Excessive Fee
  My vehicle was never towed, yet I was forced to pay the full tow fee of $325.
  If my car was only booted, I should have been charged only the boot-removal fee, not a tow fee.
  This fee structure is predatory and designed to overcharge.
  4. Coercive Payment Practice
  I was pressured to pay immediately, without a fair explanation or breakdown of charges.
  The towing personnel refused to discuss options, making this a clear case of unethical business practices.
  Request for Resolution
  I request:
  ? A full or partial refund due to an unjustified fee.
  ? Proof of clear signage placement on the date of the incident.
  ? Justification for charging the full tow fee when no tow occurred.
  If Wheel Blockers cannot provide evidence supporting their claims, this complaint should remain open and escalated.
  Sincerely

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/10/2025

  Signs are clearly posted at each entrance onto the property per city ordinance stating the parking rules and fees for violators as yourself. Plus additional signage is throughout the property where I advice you to go back and take a look if you disagree. Going forward please pay attention to those signs and respect others property by not leaving your vehicle on said property to go elsewhere. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/25/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The following dispute occurred on Sunday, 2/23.I went to pick up a cup of coffee from ********* off ********** around 9:58 AM on Sunday morning. There is very limited parking in the area, so after a few times circling around with no luck, I parked across the street (about 50 yards from *********) in the lot for ***************************. The lot was half empty as most business were just opening in the area. I left my car running and ran across the street and into *********, grabbed my coffee, and ran back. This process took no longer than 2 minutes. Approximately 90 seconds to be exact. As I approached my car, I noticed an employee of Wheel Blockers Towing walking toward my car with a boot in his hand. I yelled to get his attention multiple times, but he ignored me, bent down, and placed a boot on my car (again as it was still running). I showed him my coffee and pleaded that I was present before the boot was placed and that I was leaving the establishment. Also noted that it had been less than 2 minutes that my car was left unattended. The man acted like I wasnt there and ignored me. To remove the boot he charged $250 and would not say a word to me as he wrote the ticket. It took me 3 days to get in contact with a manager, who Im not even sure was a manager. He sounded like the guy answering the phone the prior 2 times I called, noting the manager was out of office. I explained the situation, hoping to come to some common ground on how ridiculous the event was. The manager laughed in my ear and told me to seek legal action if I wanted and that I would not receive a dollar back. There are thousands of reviews agains this company across the internet, detailing their predatory behavior. Its nothing more than a cash grab by hiding and preying on local residents. I plan on filing complaints with *****, *****, and with the Attorney General of NC.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/02/2025

  As you stated you left your vehicle on private property to go to ********* across the street. Signs are clearly posted per city ordinance at each entrance and throughout the property stating that parking is for *********** customers only and the fees for violators. You were not a customer which resulted in your vehicle being booted. Again as you stated parking is an issue in that area so going forward please respect others property and follow the parking rules to avoid this situation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/12/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I received a boot on my car after getting out of my vehicle walking inside in *************** on ** **** drive the gentleman who put the ****** my vehicle. Instructed that I need to show my ID which which was given but also took a picture of my ID, which in the state North Carolina not understanding why A picture was taken I feel its always a violation of my privacy showing that ID is one thing I did later to call to ask to speak to a supervisor, but the employee was simply disrespectful and hung up in my ear, so I attempted to call back and he did not answer When they were several cars also parked outside of mine not sure why I was targeted

  Business Response

  Date: 03/02/2025

  Unfortunately you were parked in a Fire Lane and that is the reason for your boot. Its clearly marked and signs are posted as well. When we accept cards that is for our policy to have the ** when doing so. If you felt uncomfortable with doing so you could have simply paid cash from one of the **** in the close proximity. Going forward please respect others property and follow the parking rules to avoid this type of situation.