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:09/08/2024

  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.

  Predatory towing company booted vehicle as I was walking up to move from lot. Business was not open when we originally parked there and we were waiting for food (outside and in view of the lot) across the street. Refused to remove the boot without paying an excessive fee of $250. This company has been subject to tons of complaints regarding their predatory business practices and excessive fees over the years and has been investigated by the city and local news. No posted fee amounts on signs at towing location.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/08/2024

  All fees are posted on all signage at every entrance to the lot where you were illegally parked   As you stated you went across the street which resulted in your vehicle being booted. Please pay attention and follow all parking rules to avoid this situation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/05/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 September 4, 2024 at roughly 10:30pm my friend and I were walking back to our car when we saw the Wheel Blockers tow truck parked behind our car. We were in tow zone however, a boot had not been put on our car or hooked up to the tow truck the employee was in the process of backing up to the car. There was a boot beside our car but not placed on the wheel. To get the tow driver not to tow our car he insisted we pay him $275 for the tow / boot without either of those things occurring. Once again the boot was not placed on the car and the car had NOT been hooked to the tow truck. We were in a position where we could not move our car and kindly asked if we could leave. Upon us asking if we could just leave the tow driver threatened to charge us $350 and then $400 if we kept arguing. Now we have no issue paying for a tow but why were threatened and why were we paying when no service had been completed? This company is very predatory and their prices are ridiculous. Their drivers are rude and threatening. We would like to receive compensation for this experience but we understand if that is not possible. Oh and their license plate has not been renewed.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/05/2024

  There was a boot on your car originally as well as the vehicle beside you. The driver was hooking your vehicle up to tow it and would have to take the boot off to hook up at some point. Going forward please pay attention to all signage and follow the parking rules. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/05/2024

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I attached a photo of the sign from the lot. The sign states that parking is for Customer Parking Only. The lot is shared by multiple retail shops and restaurants. We were customers in one or more of the locations that share this lot.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/06/2024

  In your first response you stated you went across the street. Parking is for businesses on site only. You cannot leave the property to go elsewhere as you did. At that point you are not a customer of the assigned parking lot. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/06/2024

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  In reviewing my previous responses, I never once stated that I was across the street. I stated that we were walking back to our car. Why were charged a tow fee when the car was never hooked up to the tow truck? Also, we were initially quoted $250 and then when asking about the price bumped up to $275 and then threatened again to bump it up to $350.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/06/2024

  Again as weve already stated your vehicle was initially booted along with the other vehicles because all the business were closed so you couldnt have been a customer at that time and had to leave the property nor did you have the after hour or employee parking permit to park on the premises either. Please follow the parking rules. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/22/2024

  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.

  My car was towed from the apartment complex I live in for the second time. I have a placard that hangs from the rear view mirror. I visited the lot 2 days ago and was denied access to view my car for the placard. I went today to get my car back and only allowed to see my car or even enter the lot unless I paid 430$. So I paid because I rely on my vehicle to commute to my company. I surveyed my car and in plain sight is my placard. Fully able to read and even scan with a phone to hyperlink. I make sure its in place every night after the last time I was towed. How can an industry prey on law abiding citiz me at their home this way. It was in clear view. This has to be a crime. Fraud, harassment, this is a company blatantly manipulating the law for profit. This is twice Ive been towed by them in 4 months. I cant afford to pay 450$ every 4 months to someone operating with impunity. I have a picture to prove my case.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/23/2024

  First off your pass what not displayed where it is required and clearly visible. It was not hanging up or on the dashboard as required. It was in the floor or wherever you left it. Its not our job to snoop around your vehicle looking for your pass. We only check the front windshield/dashboard and move on to the next vehicle. Our employee told you to call our office back to see if theres anything we could do for you, but you conveniently left the part out where you were cussing our employee out and in a threatening manner and had to be asked to get off of the lot. Please have your pass clearly displayed and visible as required to avoid this from the beginning and talk instead of threatening and youll get a lot more resolved. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/16/2024

  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 had 1 outstanding citation from Aug.7th. I get paid bi-weekly and planned on paying it today 8/16. I am a single parent. I went into work yesterday on 8/15 and paid for parking to avoid anything negative - I paid through the app and I use my ****** pay. I got the check **** saying it was completed... so I just put my phone aside. I go to leave work and my car is missing. I thought someone stole my car. Turns out... my payment didn't go through (not sure how- thinking- system glitch). I spoke to park ****** they voided it out on their end but had to still deal with the towing company. I call the towing company and they tell me 350 for the tow..... that, in my opinion, shouldn't have even happened. I call them and they say they can't do anything about the price and no one to escalate to.. except they point back to the park, *************** can only deal with what is owed to them. Park *** was great, however, this towing company is a scam. if it was my fault- I would pay this... and now I have no choice to pay it if I want my car back... I have to play by their rules- but this is not a way to do business.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/16/2024

  Unfortunately we only come out to tow the vehicles they authorize us to. Our fees are set rates for the service we provide . If you have any questions that would have to be directed with ******** concerning your tickets or why the vehicle was towed. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/09/2024

  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.

  My car was booted while I was in the car feeding my 6 month old baby in the backseat. I was attempting to feed him privately, and didnt realize it was private property. I said I would move the car immediately, but he said I would have to pay or he would have the car towed and then called a tow truck. I was concerned because my baby was out of food and I wanted to get him home. The employee said he didnt care about my baby and that I would have to pay $250, when my husband started to question this and ask if we could simply move the car, the employee took a baseball bat out from the back seat and threatened my husband. At this point, I called the police. The police said they could not do anything and that I could negotiate with the employee. I said I could pay $100 simply because I wanted to pay the fine and leave safely with my family. The employee agreed and took my card and charged me $350. When I questioned this, he told me that he couldnt reverse it and that was the fine so I was going to pay it no matter what. I cried and left with my baby. The police officer ****** said there was nothing he can do.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/10/2024

  Unfortunately thats just not the truth. No one was in the vehicle to move it is why it was booted. You were parked on private property for residents only by permit which you are not a resident there nor had a permit is why the vehicle was booted. You conveniently left out the fact that the police had to be called out because your husband or whoever the gentleman was with you, was threatening our employee and jumped on the hood of his vehicle putting a large dent in it. Which if we can pull the footage we will be pressing charges. Long story short please pay attention and follow all parking rules and regulations and not damage someones private property to avoid this type of situation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/06/2024

  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 my car to CVS parking lot. I was in and out to CVS, I decided not to buy nothing. There was farmers Market across the street. I hanged out there I had coffee with my husband. When I came back. I saw my car Was locked and I was asked $250 to unlock it. Then I was shown a sign, which I had no idea it was there before. Not once that I had an issue neither warned Since I moved here since 2017. I was told that the sign was there since January of 2024. No idea. I never seen it before and not paid attention either. The other side of the entrance doesnt have the sign either so I was not given a second chance to see what I was doing was wrong. The worst thing is, I asked my husband to parked there too and he had no idea either. So we had to pay $500 at once to get our cars released. So we started fighting with my husband next to collector:(Top of my financial lost I also had emotional struggle. It was so obvious we had no idea. So if they let at least one of us go we would never, park there again. But I felt intention was use the opportunity to get money. $500?

  Business Response

  Date: 07/07/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience but signs are posted stating Customer Parking Only. The parking lot is small with limited spaces and unfortunately once you left your vehicle there to go elsewhere was why you were booted. Again we apologize for the inconvenience but the parking rules are set in place to ensure customers have a place to park. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/01/2024

  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 was parked in a lot they owned. They refused to identify themselves and even threatened my well being and verbally threatened me. The employee was exceptionally rude and they dont even answer the phone. Honestly if they come up to you call the police as theyll more than likely try to rob you and take your wallet. They snatched my card and refused to give it back, honestly a rather grotesque and thuggish experience. Call the police and get in your car and do not speak to them until the police arrive. They are criminals.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/02/2024

  Evidently you were illegally parked somewhere you shouldnt have. This doesnt even make sense as you didnt state where you were or anything else. We dont have a reason to be rude or threatening. Its usually the other way around as you were probably upset you were booted or towed. Again you didnt state anything so this seems very bogus. Please follow all parking rules and respect others property to avoid being booted or towed. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/01/2024

  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 an extremely low class, corrupt company, they're selectively enforcing who they boot, who they perceive as violating parking laws. I was working part time as an independent contractor, working to move a business product, just like trucks that park in fire zones to unload product for a business. WORKING. There is NO difference between a vehicle using a fire zone to load/drop off items, or a vehicle picking items up from a business. Both are serving the business. So, to then be booted for doing so, for less than 1 minute parked, is not only inconsistent, but unfair. Corrupt, a money grab, total greed. And, there was another vehicle also parked there, so why didn't you boot that car? I was told by the booting offender that a loading truck CAN park in a fire zone, outside of a business. And that's OK? LOL! But, someone parking in the same place to pick up a product isn't OK? You can't have an inconsistent policy, that's ridiculous. IMO low class, low-lives do things like that. You've made a mockery of the law. This business is a scam, trying to steal $ from hardworking people. They also damaged my vehicle, so they need to reimburse me for that damage. I've also seen many other cars parked in fire zones and no wheel blocker in sight. If this corrupt company is going to boot 1 car, then they better boot ALL cars. Otherwise, you're showing extreme bias. Stop attacking people over your overbearing greed.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2024

  You were booted because you were parked in a fire lane. It is clearly marked. The property owner and fire marshal have instructed that no vehicle should be parked or left unattended in the fire lane. All boots have a rubber coating and cannot damage your vehicle unless you tried to move it. Please follow all parking rules to avoid this situation. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2024

  Please be advised that I do NOT accept the business's response to my complaint. I did not see online where I could dispute/respond to their response. I was told, at the scene, by the WheelBlocker employee who booted my car, that it was "OK for a food truck to unload food items and park in the fire zone to do so", but not for me to park in that same area, while picking up a food order, serving a local business. 
  
  That is inconsistent and unfair, to just blow it off like it's 'OK' for a food truck parking in that fire lane, but not a car that's also serving the business. And, I was in and out of that restaurant in less than 1 minute. So, if the truck parked there is NOT violating the fire lane, then I wasn't either. Thanks, and have a great day.
  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2024

  Unfortunately you left your vehicle unattended in the fire lane and that was reason for boot. Please dont park in fire lanes or no parking zones to avoid be booted/towed. We are only doing our job as instructed. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/01/2024

  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 Saturday, June 29, 2024, my wife and I were making plans to travel to ************* to a reunion . I decided I needed to pick up some cash at the 5th Third ATM and pickup some things from ***. Normally I park in one of the municipal lots or on the street. Because it was farmers market day all the spaces were filled. I decided to try the *** lot behind the store and noticed that there were several spaces not occupied. I have never parked there unless I was going to shop in the store. I decided to go across the street first to get my cash then go into the store. I spent longer in the store than I had intended because I could not find one of the items I intended to buy. I took my items to self checkout and was detained a bit becuse the card reader had a little problem reading my credit card. I finally got out of the store and walked out to my truck. I turned on the ignition put it in reverse and heard a God-awful sound like one of my front wheels was trying to back over a boulder. I got out and noticed a boot on my front wheel on the driver's side. I didn't see it when I got into the vehicle. There was no notice on the windshield or anywhere else. The company attendent approached me and said that was parked illegally. I showed him my *** receipt and he said that it didn't matter because I had gone somewhere else before I went into the store, I was essentially forced to present a credit card and sign a slip before I could get my truck. I called the Wheelblocker number and talked to a man and he refused to do anything. To make matters worse the attendant could not get the boot off the wheel and left me so he could deal with other "violators." When he returned he had to beat the device off my ********************** with an ax-like tool. I was detained about twenty minutes in the meantime. The notice that he gave me to sign had the time 1 1:03. I was in *** at that time. I am not in the habit of parking illegally or in places where I am not wanted.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2024

  Unfortunately the lot is parking for CVS only and once you leave your vehicle on site and go elsewhere you are not a customer. The parking lot has limited parking and is only for customers inside the store. We have no way of knowing otherwise or how long youre going to be gone. Signs are posted per state and city ordinances stating the parking rules and fees. We apologize for any inconvenience but please read the signs and follow the parking rules to avoid this situation. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/02/2024

   
  I am rejecting this response because:If the company has the wherewithal to know that I left the premises they have the wherewithal to know when I return.  This was shoddy work.  The sign in question merely says that the parking is for customers and does not say if you happen to leave the premises for a brief period that you no longer can be a customer.  I happened to be in the store shopping while my truck was being booted.  I tried to show the attendant my receipt and he wouldn't accept my explanation.
  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/02/2024

  Respect others property and the parking rules set in place. When all the signs say Only on them, then that means Only for that property.  Again the parking rules have to be enforced as parking is limited. Please simply follow the parking rules moving forward. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/03/2024

   
  I am rejecting this response because:when I returned to the property I resumed my customer status,  as I have been a customer since the business opened in *********  Apparently the business agrees with me for they have refunded $250.00.  You were wrong in this situation and you know it.  Please send the refund to CVS.  They need to become associated with a company that has representatives with good judgement and interpersonal skills.  I should receive compensation for the time I lost and the possible damage to my vehicle by the pile of junk apparatus and the fact that it had to be beaten off my wheel.  If I had parked in the lot and gone to a local bar and had a couple of beers I would agree with your point of view.  However I took avout 5 minutes to go to an ATM machine then spent about 20 minutes in the store.  I am not only a customer, I am a good customer.  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/29/2024

  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.

  CVS booted my car and many many others for $250 today. After talking to the employee inside, I was told it was because of elderly customers who need the parking spots as they cannot walk a distance. This would be totally reasonable - if it was the actual reason they hired WheelBlockers. People were STILL missing the sign at the corner of the parking lot, meaning the spots are still filled, and people are getting extorted. If they really cared about clearing the parking for customers, they would take a small portion of the money they are paying the boot company and put it towards INDIVIDUAL SIGNS in front of the parking spots. My mom and I COMPLETELY missed the sign and would never have parked there otherwise. The only reason this is in place is to make large amounts of money off of people who cant afford it. It feels immoral, illegal; against any reasonable principle. Additionally, the man working yelled at my kind hearted mother for warning other moms from parking in the spots and said that he would charge us more if we warned anyone else. Which goes against the entire reason CVS claims to have put this system in place. To stop people from parking in that area. How in h*** does that make any sense?? We are participating in the class action lawsuit against this CVS. Completely dishonest in its intentions for booting peoples vehicles.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/30/2024

  Unfortunately you were illegally parked is why you were booted. Signs are clearly posted at each entrance and throughout the property stating CVS Customer Parking Only per state and local ordinances. However you choose to park your vehicle on private property without authorization and leave and go elsewhere. It is a small lot with limited parking to begin with. Those spaces are needed for actual customers and not for you to park there to go elsewhere. Its not a public parking lot. Going forward please follow all parking rules and respect others property to avoid being booted or towed.