Home Economy Government State sues parking lot company for deceptive practices

State sues parking lot company for deceptive practices

By

PBN Staff

-

08/14/2024

PMFsPpuR-Neronha-3 — R.I. ATTORNEY GENERAL Peter F. Neronha has filed a lawsuit against the operator of three parking lots across the state, claiming the company targeted customers with unfair and deceptive practices. /COURTESY OFFICE OFFICE OF PETER F. NERONHA

PROVIDENCE – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has filed a lawsuit against the operator of three parking lots across the state, claiming the company targeted customers with unfair and deceptive practices. In his complaint filed Tuesday, Neronha accuses UPP Global LLC of engaging in a pattern of unfair and deceptive conduct that included charging customers

Already a Subscriber? Log in

To Continue Reading This Article

Become a Providence Business News subscriber and get immediate access to all of our premier content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

Critical RI business news and analysis updated daily.
1 year of print (26 issues).
Unlimited access to all subscriber only content on our website, on any device.
Free email alerts.
Annual Book of Lists Print Edition.
All special issues produced during subscription term.

Click Here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article

PBN Branded Content

Understanding Breast Health: The Vital Role of Annual Screenings

Breast health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and regular screenings play a vital…

Learn More

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

PROVIDENCE – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has filed a lawsuit against the operator of three parking lots across the state, claiming the company targeted customers with unfair and deceptive practices. In his complaint filed Tuesday, Neronha accuses UPP Global LLC of engaging in a pattern of unfair and deceptive conduct that included charging customers fees disguised as a “tax,” charging junk “service fees,” failing to disclose parking rates until customers have already parked and issuing “citations” that mimic government-issued parking tickets and falsely threaten consequences from the R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the complaint alleges that UPP Global is violating Rhode Island consumers’ right to pay for products and services in cash by requiring all customers to pay by credit or debit card. That's a violation of a law established in 2019 that prohibits businesses from discriminating against customers in the state by requiring them to pay using credit. Neronha is seeking a court order to provide restitution to harmed customers and an appropriate civil penalty to punish and deter illegal conduct. “UPP Global has employed a number of unfair and deceptive tactics targeting Rhode Island residents and visitors alike,” Neronha said. “Our lawsuit against this company seeks to put an immediate halt to these alleged deceptive practices that are harming consumers, and to pay back consumers any money that was collected by unlawful means.” UPP Global attempted to collect parking fees from customers by issuing deceptive “citations” which mimicked the appearance and language of a government-issued parking ticket to mislead customers, according to the complaint. One driver paid $18 to park at UPP Global’s 125 Dorrance St. lot on September 17, 2023, and upon returning to her vehicle, she received a “citation” that demanded an additional $63, also stating that if the “citation” was not paid by Oct. 17 she would owe $103. She also received a “Notification of Delinquent Payment” in the mail, which stated that “penalties may include vehicle immobilization and/or towing at additional expense to you if parking on RI Parking Co. operated property,” according to court documents. The driver said that when she asked an employee of the company what basis they assessed the “citation,” the employee provided no explanation, instead telling her that failure to pay could affect her license renewal and registration. UPP Global manages more than 300 parking locations in nine states, including three in Rhode Island in Providence, Newport and East Greenwich.