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 engaging in deceptive and unfair business practices by issuing private parking “tickets” in State College that resembled government parking tickets. Pennsylvania consumers were compelled to pay these tickets under false threats of prosecution or the unlawful retention of their vehicles.
This settlement resolves the legal action against Walk’s. The Office of Attorney General has obtained a final order against Walk’s that prohibits the company from requiring payment of private parking tickets before releasing towed vehicles. Additionally, Walk’s must modify their tickets to clearly indicate they are private and privately enforced. The settlement also forbids Walk’s from threatening collection efforts or imposing additional fees unless explicitly authorized.
The Court has approved this settlement in the form of a consent petition.
“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, Walk's has agreed to provide a $15,000 fund for eligible consumers who have filed or will file complaints with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection regarding paying a private parking ticket issued by Walk's.
Consumers who paid a private parking ticket issued by Walk's and have not received full reimbursement should file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing 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.