To The Leader

AUSTIN – At their July 15 public meeting, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation voted to revoke a Houston company’s vehicle storage facility (VSF) license because of its dishonest and fraudulent conduct. Commissioners also assessed a $5,000 administrative penalty – the maximum allowed by law -reflecting an upward enhancement from the standard penalty due to the nature of the violation.

The Commission’s action came after an administrative law judge at the State Office of Administrative Hearings found that Subhi H. Abuhamra, who held a VSF license for South West Carzone Auto Storage, had engaged in a “flipping” scheme.

“Flipping” is deceptive and illegal conduct by towing companies and vehicle storage facilities aiming to convince vehicle owners to waive their rights and have their vehicles taken to, or transferred to, unregulated body shops after automobile accidents. Texas law generally requires that vehicles must be taken to, and remain at, licensed vehicle storage facilities where fees and costs are regulated.

In the incident involved in the TDLR case, a wrecked vehicle was taken to Abuhamra’s VSF after an accident. An employee at the VSF deceived the vehicle owner into signing documents that would transfer the vehicle – which was totaled – to Abuhamra’s unregulated body shop, where he collected more than $1,600 in fees, despite the fact that no work was done to the vehicle.

Without a VSF license, Abuhamra is no longer allowed to operate South West Carzone Auto Storage as a vehicle storage facility.

Consumers who have been involved in an auto accident – especially those in Harris County and the surrounding area – are urged not to sign any documents relating to their vehicle until speaking to their insurance company. This includes documents that may be presented by a tow operator responsible for removing their vehicle from the accident scene.

Anyone who has additional information on cases within the city of Houston limits, or who may be a victim of flipping, is urged to contact the HPD Auto Dealers Detail at 832-394-4800 or 832-394-4969 (after-hours) or send an email to: hpd.autodealers@houstonpolice.org.

TDLR provides oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency manages 39 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 800,000 licenses across the state.

Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese.