Friday, December 12, 2025, I was attending my school's Christmas gathering at Southbound, located…read moreat SRP Park in North Augusta, SC. I parked at a building that appeared to look like new construction or an office building. I later found out that it was an apartment complex but hardly looked like one in the dark as it is black painted. There was one tow sign posted, facing North toward Crown Plaza Hotel. I was driving West and did not see the sign or the face of the sign for "Private Tow Zone" because of the direction the sign was facing, and the placement of the sign on the outside of the fence where parking was. There was no warning signs posted at the 'apartments" stating Private Residences & No Parking. Needless to say, there were about 10 cars towed on a flatbed between 7-10 pm. When I returned to look for my car, it was gone. I looked around the parking lot and did not see any signs. At the corner where the sign was posted and facing Crown Plaza, people were standing calling, and they notified me of the sign and where to call. I called Big Tow Wrecker Service and was told that they were closing in 10 minutes. We all were scrambling to get Ubers or rides to Jefferson Davis Highway to get our cars within the stated10-minute timeframe. Once at Big Tow, it appeared they were fully open for business. There was a woman and two men. We presented only a Driver's License as identification, paid $300.00 cash and NO RECEIPT.
I requested a receipt and was NOT able to get one. I voiced my displeasure with how the signage for NO Parking was laid out. One guy who appeared to be in charge said SRP was responsible for placement of the signs that Big Tow supplied, and that I can take it up with SRP. He said, "I don't want you to think this is a racket." I replied, "That is just what I am thinking because of how all of this is being handled." On Monday, I waited until after work to check for the receipt by text, NONE texted as promised. I called to inquire and got Ms. Randi who was rude and fast talking. She put me on hold for 5 minutes. The link she sent was broken and I had to call back to request an email of the receipt. I finally got it. I went back to the 'apartments' to check the building out and the placement of the signs. I took video and pictures, then I was approached by the Sweetwater Apts. leasing representative asking if she could help me. I went into the office and told her what happened on Friday, and that the complex needed to put more signs up, especially against the building parking. A gentleman interjected as I was talking to the woman, that the entire lot is a tow zone, and there are two (2) signs up at each END of the East/West lot. I explained I was concerned about the sign near where I parked and the non-existent signs at the building. I told them had I seen any sign posted, I would have never parked there, and that the signs need to be adjusted, or even two-sided facing East/West as the road is East/West so drivers can see the signs clearly. I am disappointed that we all had our cars towed. It does seem like a racket as no person tried to warn anyone, and the way the entire operation is conducted. YES, we parked in a Private No Park Zone that was NOT PROPERLY MARKED! This is the frustration and disgust that I am exemplifying in this review. I feel for much older people who might not see the signs or have the Uber App because much younger people did not see the sign that was posted in an obscure direction and spot. Let's do better those of you in the service industry. If any of us had seen 1 of 2 signs posted, we would not have parked there. I warned a lady who parked in the middle of the lot, she thanked me and moved her car. These businesses responsible, Big Tow, Sweetwater Apts. Leasing Office and SRP Park, all should try to serve the customer better and fairly by not trying to scam them, especially at Christmastime! In all fairness, Big Tow might be a great roadside assistance company; I would not know, nor would I ever call them for a tow.
