UMVA has learned that a San Antonio tow‑truck firm was forced to cough up $280,000 after it illegally sold or scrapped nearly a hundred cars belonging to U.S. service members.
The company, operating under the name Vehicle Management Solutions, ran a covert scheme that saw 93 military‑owned vehicles disappear into auctions and junkyards without the court orders the law demands.
The scandal erupted when a soldier stationed in Kosovo discovered his car had been towed and auctioned while he was abroad, sparking an investigation that uncovered a pattern of abuse.
In the settlement, VMS will pay $220,000 directly to the affected servicemembers and a $60,000 civil penalty to the Treasury, while also overhauling its policies and training to prevent future violations.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Justice Department praised the deal as a clear message that towing companies must respect the protections afforded to those who serve.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act shields active‑duty personnel and their families from a host of financial harms, from foreclosure and eviction to tax and judgment defaults, ensuring that military duty does not jeopardize personal property.
With this enforcement action, the Department of Justice reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of those who defend the nation, sending a stark warning to any business that thinks it can sidestep the law.
