Pennsylvania Attorney General Settles with State College Towing Company Over Deceptive Practices

HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry has secured a settlement with Walk’s Service Center Inc. and its owner, Bradley Karch, over deceptive private ticketing practices in State College. The company had been issuing private parking tickets that resembled government-issued citations, pressuring consumers to pay under false threats of prosecution or vehicle retention.

The Office of Attorney General initiated legal action against Walk’s in 2020, accusing the company of unfair business practices. Consumers were misled into believing they were obligated to pay these private tickets to avoid legal trouble or to retrieve their towed vehicles.

The settlement reached this week mandates several changes to Walk’s business practices. First, Walk’s can no longer demand payment of private parking tickets before releasing towed vehicles. Second, the company must clearly indicate that the tickets are private and not government-issued. Lastly, Walk’s is prohibited from threatening collection actions or adding fees unless explicitly allowed by law.

A consent petition filed by the Office of Attorney General has received court approval, formalizing the settlement terms.

“This company was demanding that consumers pay additional private ticket fees under false threat of prosecution or the retention of their towed vehicle,” said Attorney General Henry. “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 agreement, Walk’s will establish a $15,000 fund to reimburse eligible consumers who paid these private parking tickets. Consumers must file complaints with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by November 19, 2024, to qualify for reimbursement.

The settlement was filed by Deputy Attorney General Kevin R. Green in the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County.

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