Neronha files suit against parking company for ‘deceptive tactics’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha said that his office is filing a lawsuit against parking management company UPP Global, LLC for “unfair and deceptive practices targeting Rhode Island consumers.”

Neronha said that at parking lots in Providence, Newport, and East Greenwich, the company would charge customers fees disguised as a “tax,” charge junk “service fees,” fail to disclose parking rates until customers had already parked, and issued “citations” that mimic government-issued parking tickets.

The Attorney General said that one customer received a “citation” demanding additional payment after already paying for parking, and then received a notification in the mail that threatened vehicle immobilization and towing if additional fees were not paid.

The suit also alleges the company violates Rhode Islanders’ right to pay for services in cash by requiring pay by credit or debit card.

Neronha said his office is seeking a a court order requiring UPP to stop engaging in unfair and deceptive conduct, to provide restitution to harmed customers, and require an “appropriate civil penalty to punish and deter illegal conduct.”

“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,” he added.

UPP released the following statement:

UPP is aware of the lawsuit and is conducting an internal investigation into the matter. We are committed to operate at the highest of standards and to follow all state and local laws.