HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry has reached a settlement with Walk’s Service Center Inc., and its owner, Bradley Karch, over the State College-based company’s private ticketing practices.
In 2020, the Office of Attorney General sued Walk’s for allegedly engaging in deceptive and unfair business practices by issuing private parking “tickets” in State College that look similar to government parking tickets. Pennsylvania consumers were allegedly required to pay the tickets under the false threat of prosecution and/or the unlawful retention of their vehicle.
This settlement agreement resolves the legal action against Walk’s. Through the settlement, the Office of Attorney General has secured a final order between the parties that: prohibits Walk’s from requiring the payment of private parking tickets prior to the release of towed vehicles; and requires Walk’s to modify the tickets they issue to make clear that they are private in nature and are privately enforced. Under the settlement, Walk’s is also prohibited from threatening collection efforts or imposing additional fees, unless clearly disclosed at the parking location.
The Office of Attorney General’s settlement, in the form of a consent petition, has been approved by the Court.
“This company was demanding that consumers pay additional private ticket fees under false threat of prosecution or the retention of their towed vehicle,” Attorney General Henry said. “In those instances where the ‘ticketed’ vehicles were towed, consumers that were already facing substantial costs related to the tow were then subjected to private ticket fees imposed by Walk’s.”
As part of the settlement, Walks has agreed to provide a $15,000 fund to be disbursed to eligible consumers who have filed or will file complaints with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. The complaints must be related to the consumer paying a private parking ticket issued by Walk’s.
Any consumers who paid a private parking ticket issued by Walk’s, and who has not received full reimbursement yet, should file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, call 800-441-2555, or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov by November 19, 2024.
This settlement was filed by Deputy Attorney General Kevin R. Green in the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County.
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