State College towing company accused of ‘deceptive’ practices reaches settlement with Pa. AG

A State College towing company will pay $15,000 and change some of its business practices to resolve a lawsuit that alleged its private parking tickets were unfair and deceptive.

The settlement between Walk’s Service Center and Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General put an end to almost four years of litigation. It was approved Monday by Centre County Judge Brian Marshall.

“This company was demanding that consumers pay additional private ticket fees under false threat of prosecution or the retention of their towed vehicle,” state Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. “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.”

The state’s elected top prosecutor alleged in the 2020 lawsuit that Walk’s private parking tickets looked similar to the borough’s. It alleged violations dating back to 2012.

Walk’s were printed on white paper with the words “PARKING VIOLATION” in red letters at the top, similar to the borough’s. They also had similar information, and the state attorney general’s office alleged Walk’s tickets state nowhere that such tickets can be contested.

When the lawsuit was filed , the business said it was “completely baseless” and had “no merit at all.” It did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement. A message left Wednesday with the company’s attorney was not immediately returned.

The agreement prohibits Walk’s from requiring the payment of private parking tickets prior to the release of towed vehicles and from threatening collection efforts. Walk’s must also modify their tickets to make clear they are private.

To be eligible for a portion of the $15,000 pot funded by Walk’s, consumers must file a complaint with the attorney general’s bureau of consumer protection. Claims must relate to private parking tickets issued by Walk’s.

Eligible consumers can file complaints by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov by Nov. 19.