(WNY News Now) – Harrisburg – Attorney General Michelle Henry has secured a settlement with Walk’s Service Center Inc. and its owner, Bradley Karch, addressing deceptive private ticketing practices and establishing a consumer restitution fund.
In a significant consumer protection victory, Attorney General Michelle Henry has finalized a settlement with Walk’s Service Center Inc., based in State College, and its owner, Bradley Karch. The agreement, reached on July 24, 2024, resolves allegations that Walk’s engaged in misleading and unfair ticketing practices.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused Walk’s of issuing private parking tickets that closely resembled official government citations. Consumers were misled into paying these tickets under the false threat of legal action or vehicle impoundment. This deceptive practice unfairly pressured Pennsylvania residents into paying additional fees.
The settlement, approved by the Court, includes several key provisions:
- Walk’s Service Center is now prohibited from demanding payment for private parking tickets before releasing towed vehicles.
- The tickets issued by Walk’s must clearly state that they are private and not government-enforced.
- Walk’s is barred from using threats of collection or imposing extra fees without proper authorization.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the importance of this settlement, stating, “This company exploited consumers by imposing private ticket fees under the guise of legal consequences or vehicle retention.” She highlighted that many consumers already facing significant costs due to towing were burdened further by these deceptive fees.
Under the settlement terms, Walk’s has established a $15,000 fund to reimburse affected consumers. Individuals who paid these private tickets and have not yet been fully reimbursed can file complaints with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Complaints must be submitted by November 19, 2024. For assistance, consumers can call 800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
This case was filed by Deputy Attorney General Kevin R. Green in the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County.
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