Parking scam at the Arboretum
Posted by paintedlotusyt@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 106 comments
We paid for parking at the Dallas Arboretum when we went last month and got this in the mail just a few days ago. We had to look up the address and it's part of the Arboretum parking lot. Thankfully, there's an old post on Reddit about this company and this is what they do. Just a heads up!
[Mods, sorry for the dirty delete and repost! I realized I had left the qr codes in the first one by mistake. I doubt it would've had my details, but just in case!]
augustschild@reddit
typical 3rd party scummy parking service that all urban metropolitan areas contract with. Sad, but...it will probably require you to contact them and plead your case, and they may arbitrarily void it, or not. it sucks, but...welcome to cities that aren't really made for driving or walking anymore. Yay the Future. :\
Bhooter_Raja@reddit
If I can’t walk and I can’t drive either, how do I even transport myself? Hover, maybe 🤔
civil_beast@reddit
With money
crayyarccray@reddit
It's a private company, toss it in the trash and don't park there again.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Definitely going in the trash!
There wasn't any signage, we just parked in the Arboretum parking lot. That's why I want to warn others. It looks very official and someone else might assume it's legitimate.
electricgotswitched@reddit
For your edit. The Arboretum IS responsible for the scam. They hired this company and people who paid are still getting these tickets. It's Arboretum property so it's their problem too.
If you never want to park at the Arboretum or any lot this parking company runs again you can ignore it. You never know what lot they manage though.
So I'd probably be calling the Arboretum cause surely you aren't the first this has happened to.
lookglen@reddit
So is it a scam or not? If ignoring means you should never park there again, doesn’t sound like a scam
woahwoahwoah28@reddit
If you define scam as "a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation," it is a scam.
If you define scam as "an illegal scheme," it's a scam in some circumstances as the company has broken the law (allegedly for legal purposes but it seems pretty certain esp since they settled with Colorado).
If you define scam as "an illegal scheme which the government is willing to prosecute," then it's not a scam in this state.
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
It’s not a scam. The arboretum has always had paid parking. They have outsourced that to a third party and you pay via a QR code or when you purchase your ticket online by giving your license plate.
lookglen@reddit
Reason I ask, I’m a member who’s registered my car. So if I get one of these, I would have to assume it’s not a scam but has so few checks in place, it’s no different from a scam.
But I haven’t gotten one
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
yes as a member who has registered my license plate, I would assume it's just poorly run money grab and I am going to be varied annoyed. I live close, I visit often, I did what was required of me. The AI they are using to match up license plates with camera pictures is just generating hundreds of these notices.
electricgotswitched@reddit
Basically
It's not some fake company conning people so not technically a scam by definition.
woahwoahwoah28@reddit
We need to hold people accountable.
Colorado's AG got this company into a lawsuit that forced them to shore up, issue refunds, and dismiss fees. (They're still being shady as hell there but less than they are here).
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/06/06/parking-revenue-recovery-services-lawsuit-fees/
Texas's AG just lets them rail us to oblivion. It's criminal behavior, and it needs to be stopped.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
That makes so much sense! The post I found on this company was in r/Denver if I recall correctly. And the company itself is based in Aurora. I'm guessing they had a lot of complaints coming right away. And you're right, our AG just doesn't like to work...
Deep-Dog-8242@reddit
I got one of these after parking by the Virgin Hotel (like you, I'd paid!) instead of dealing with this shady company I reported it to the Better Business Bureau and they handled the dispute and got it dismissed.
CatteNappe@reddit
The Arboretum turned their parking lot management over to a third party last year, and parking is no longer paid with your admission ticket. There is signage indicating you have to scan a QR code to pay. Members are able to pre-register their license numbers, for up to two cars, which has caused some aggravation if someone is traveling in a vehicle other than one of those two cars. In addition, some members are being caught by surprise that they are having to RE-register their license plates when their membership renews.
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
there is signage and QR codes when you walk inside the gates to pay for the parking.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
We paid for the parking and still received the citation, and unfortunately it seems to be a very prominent issue there. :(
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
I went for Blooms and haven't gotten one yet. I go often since I'm a member and haven't had a problem yet. I have dealt with this company before parking in a lot in Deep Ellum that was split in half between two parking companies and I paid the wrong one. that was fun. Looks like you have a good chance to fight it.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I sure hope so. I'm glad you haven't had to deal with it!!
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
I looked at your ticket and realized I went after you did on 3/24. Now I'm waiting for my bill. It's really turned members off but if they are just taking pictures and claim they can't read my license plate, I'm going to be very irritated.
ForeverOk7505@reddit
If you’re a member you can share your license plate/s on your membership profile. Ours is set up that way and we haven’t gotten a ticket.
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
I did that as soon as I received the email. I’m a rule follower
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Oh no, I hope they don't charge you. It sounds like it's a whole mess there now. I felt really bad for the agent I spoke with because they're not telling them anything and just having them take all of the waves of complaints. She said they only just started working with the Arboretum recently (and she pronounced it Artoborum). I'm guessing they switched to a separate customer service agency (in Idaho according to her) specifically because they privatized the parking.
_null_null@reddit
If you paid for parking, you should be able to show them evidence of the transaction.
Free-Surprise6895@reddit
I just went and saw three QR signage before I got to the ticket clerk.
Geoffrey-Jellineck@reddit
You can toss it in the trash just like they can send collections after you and fuck your credit over. It's generally best to not ignore things like this.
civil_beast@reddit
My understanding is that they do not have the capacity to do that , but I have been wrong once or twice before, so definitely review
Geoffrey-Jellineck@reddit
They can and do send accounts to collections.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Don't worry, I've seen the comments and I'll take it seriously! :) I appreciate the concern.
_null_null@reddit
There are signs EVERYWHERE! I’ve been to both the gate 1 lot and garage this year. I have no idea how you missed the signs.
reddituser1000111@reddit
Wait till they try to send you to collections and send you a message to your phone. Happened to me by the same company. Just a different lot in Dallas
FlightyTwilighty@reddit
You are saying two conflicting things.
if there wasn't any signage, HOW did you pay for parking? because the QR code on the sign is how you are supposed to pay for parking.
thesllug@reddit
Definitely a valid bill and will be sent to collection/ car towed when parking @ another private lot this company governs inside of dallas.
Peakbrowndog@reddit
Valid is questionable. How do they prove the car was driven by the person they billed? Did the person driving agree to a contact with these penalties? If not, how do they have a valid right to issue a bill?
Imaginary-Tree-House@reddit
They don’t have to prove anything. You have to prove everything. Or pay. That’s how these companies work. It’s wrong so I hope this gets resolved.
Peakbrowndog@reddit
But you make the claim it was a valid bill. How do you know it's valid?
Maybe the bill is from a legitimate company, but that doesn't make it valid.
Imaginary-Tree-House@reddit
When you are towed or sent to collections it’s 100% on you to prove everything and they need to prove nothing. It’s not right but it’s how it works when you’re towed!
thesllug@reddit
Parking in the private lot itself is the contract. If OP wasn't driving they would need to prove that. Bill is valid and your what ifs have no grounds lol.
woahwoahwoah28@reddit
A bill is not considered to be valid if the recipient disputes it. The onus, then, is on the company to prove the debt's validity adequately.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-information-does-a-debt-collector-have-to-give-me-about-the-debt-en-331/
Peakbrowndog@reddit
That's not how contract law works.
You have no idea if the bill is valid, only that the company is a real company. I'm assuming you looked it all up before defending a predatory practice from a company known to be shady.
Empty_Implement_5476@reddit
Incorrect. OP advised there was no signage posted and the onus to prove they were the driver would be on this company.
electricgotswitched@reddit
Or any lot this company manages. Sounds like terrible advice vs getting it resolved without paying.
CookbookReader@reddit
This sucks! I would definitely try to prove you paid to both companies.
Last time I tried to go to the arboretum (as a member) I submitted my ticket and parking request online then couldn't find a single parking space in Lot 1 or Lot 4. We had to leave after nearly an hour of looking. The Arboretum is really messing up lately.
Jedi71@reddit
Not just the Arboretum most pay for parking lots use this company.
According-Ability-16@reddit
Wait so how do you plead ur case cuz I got one, but I paid to park!
dc5antonio@reddit
Lmao I completely forging about these people. They also sent me a letter from the Stockyards in Fort Worth and that was almost a year ago.
jodiepodie2@reddit
I’m confused how if you were parked in the Arboretum’s lot they can do this? Where exactly did you park?
electricgotswitched@reddit
A few threads of people who paid to park and still got tickets.
waitstaph@reddit
We’re members and we got these letters
jodiepodie2@reddit
Did you purchase a member ticket beforehand? I know they say tickets are no longer needed for members, but how else are you going to show that you’ve covered parking? I know you had to register your license plate with memebership but i don’t trust them to do right by it. I still “purchase”member tickets and get the parking pass also added to my order.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
The customer service agent I spoke to actually said they've been getting tons of calls complaining about this, especially from members. This is for sure a scam and it seems they're unfortunately hitting everyone they can there.
jodiepodie2@reddit
I was literally thinking of visiting tomorrow, now i’m changing my mind 😥. Hope it sorts itself out for you!
electricgotswitched@reddit
Go and pay with your phone. Sounds like OP didn't pay because there is not adequate signage. You don't pay at the gate.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
I'm updating my post because so many people keep accusing me of not paying. Lol
CatteNappe@reddit
But you keep saying you paid when you bought your ticket and it doesn't work that way. It used to work that way, but it doesn't work that way now. The Arboretum no longer collects parking fees itself. Now you have to register your license plate in advance if you are a member, or scan the QR code and give your license plate and payment in the lot.
emzim@reddit
If you go to the website right now, you will see that you can pay for parking. It’s a separate transaction than the admission tickets and redirects you to parkwhiz website but yes you can buy parking from their website.
CatteNappe@reddit
Good to know. In that case OP should have a receipt saying they paid, and just mail it in with the billing notice.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Right? It kind of dampened my view of them for allowing this to go on. And thank you so much! The botanical gardens in Ft. Worth might be a good alternative if it's not too much of a drive! Hopefully, their parking hasn't changed!
electricgotswitched@reddit
So did you not pay at all because there aren't enough signs informing it's different now?
woodstock9999@reddit
They don’t do tickets anymore in advance for members - you are supposed to to show your membership card when you get there. Everything has gone downhill since they made this parking change.
electricgotswitched@reddit
What's the problem with that? Now members can just go whenever we want and not be tied to a certain time. You always had to show the code.
woodstock9999@reddit
Sorry but I am not in favor of the many changes the Arboretum has made. We had a family membership and there would be times I would meet my daughter there and email her a ticket. Can not do that now. Members are having issues with parking as well. You can only register 2 cars. There are times one of our other family members drive a car that is not registered. It is a PITA. I never had to show my ID card which I never carried with me when I use my printed tix. It has gotten way too corporate and commercialized IMO.
electricgotswitched@reddit
I can't disagree.
I've been annoyed since they didn't cancel the paid halloween festivities and just didn't have most of what was advertised instead due to rain uncertainty.
FlightyTwilighty@reddit
if you're a member you're supposed to register your car on the website. There is no longer any way to pay for parking on the website, and actually, if you're a member, the website says you are not required to "purchase" member tickets anymore either.
waitstaph@reddit
We only ever get tickets for the special events you have to get one for
PreferenceBusiness2@reddit
Did you register your car? I only ask because a few months ago, they sent an email to register to avoid fines.
waitstaph@reddit
We’ve been members for several years so I’m sure we registered cars at some point. Never had a problem before.
electricgotswitched@reddit
If you didn't register your license plates since getting the letter you probably want to double check. This is a fairly new change.
PreferenceBusiness2@reddit
Yeah, I think this was within past 5 months.
Traps86@reddit
registration requirement was new just in the last year.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
We're just as confused as you are for exactly this reason.
We pulled into the main parking lot and parked. It was facing the Arboretum if I remember correctly and there were cars already on either side of us because the lot was totally full up and only spots nearer to the entry to the lot were available. A couple of people were just getting out of their car to our left when we parked. There were no signs at all. Nothing stating anything about parking restrictions, no handicap spots, nada.
CatteNappe@reddit
If you ended up parking very near the entrance it may be you didn't get far enough to see the parking signs, and you definitely didn't get far enough to get to the handicap parking area which a bit further along so that those folks don't have to tackle the steps to get down to the ticket booth.
Free-Surprise6895@reddit
I just went and parked by the main entrance and they have a QR code on every corner of the parking sections I’m not sure how you missed them.
Diabetesh@reddit
There is a couple videos on that company. I think one is actually a long short. Probably worth a watch.
Mnudge@reddit
It says if you have proof of payment you can dispute.
Did you contact them and show that you had paid?
Onuus@reddit
Are these pictures taken from flock camera?
No_Internal9345@reddit
deflock.org
AsleepChampionship83@reddit
I was thinking the same thing they must be selling the footage to company's and since they are so closely aligned with pds they are also providing your info to them at a price
onyourleftbro@reddit
Got this letter when I parked and paid next to the Viginn hotel in the design district. After seeing all the posts on here of similar stories I threw it in the trash.
woodstock9999@reddit
I am not reviewing my membership. I love it shall I say loved the Arboretum but not after all the changes they have made the past few years - gift shop, food and parking - all contracted out and ongoing issues with the parking.
CatteNappe@reddit
Food has been contracted out as long as I've been going and was always a good value and decent quality, but yeah - the gift shop, parking, and some other amenities are newly contracted; and it hasn't all been roses.
ndtx248@reddit
As there is no instrument of debt, a debt collector can’t legally collect anyways. If a debt collector contacts you’re asking for this document. If they can’t collect it, tell them to cease-and-desist all further communications as they are in violation of FDCPA.
mmmarklar@reddit
they may be legit company, but they're practices are a scam. i don't even think they try to reconcile the people who have paid. they just send letters to everyone they can get a plate off of. i've gotten several of them after parking in Deep Ellum lots (and paying). the first one i disputed and finally got it reversed. the rest i just threw in the trash. nothing happened. if they want to try and ding my credit for 5 or 10 bucks, go for it.
Alternative_Hornet20@reddit
This is a real company that can send things to collections. If you don’t care about your credit score, don’t pay. If you do care about your credit score and having bills in collections, pay and just move on OR better yet just dispute it and note there’s no signs. If you did nothing wrong, you’d have a good case.
I disputed one once in Austin and gave them hell and they “made a one time exception” after much back n forth of me asking for proof I didn’t follow the rules.
One thing is for sure though, I wasn’t going to let any company catch me for non-payment and ignore something like it isn’t real.
woahwoahwoah28@reddit
I don't think they send it to true collections--they send it to some shit lawyer in Colorado that breaks the law with their debt collection practices.
(I disputed a ticket from this company because it wasn't my car. Never heard back and got sent to the shit lawyer anyway).
I finally threatened to report him to everyone who could legally affect him for being an attorney and breaking the law and haven't heard back.
andreezy93@reddit
This same company tried to charge me $70 for parking in a parking garage in downtown without paying. Funny thing is, there was a parking attendant that waved me in and waved me out. Same thing happened to my co workers and they didn’t get a bill.
I never paid the bill, they sent another letter threatening to sue. Still didn’t pay, nothing happened. I just don’t park there anymore.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Thank you for sharing! I'm glad they dropped it!!
JPhi1618@reddit
When they sent out the letters saying they were going to privatize the lot, I knew this crap was going to happen. Anyone in the parking industry are a bunch of vultures. They are there just to charge as many people as they can and hope people don’t fight back and just pay.
Cryptur_xcx@reddit
Happened to my last month even though I literally scanned the QR code that was RIGHT in front of me and paid -_-
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
Members were notified they needed to register their license plates.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Oh, I'm not a member. We paid for parking for the day.
MapPuzzleheaded4983@reddit
LOL I gathered by reading this. There have been several threads complaining about this. The Arboretum outsourced their parking. I went for Dallas Blooms and noticed QR codes on boards around the park and I'm assuming that has to do with the new parking rules. In the old days, they stopped everyone prior to entering and had you pay that way.
Miserable-Success624@reddit
Do you have proof of payment? Seems pretty easy to dispute 🤞
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
I'm sure we do! I'd just have to find it. 🤔
Watermelonbuttt@reddit
First line “private property”
Unenforceable
jodiepodie2@reddit
Thanks for the update! They should have never hired a parking company! With the amount of endowments and donations/memberships they get - shame on them. I hope more people call and report this issue.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Anytime! I completely agree, this is insanity.
No_Major1167@reddit
It’s crappy, but Totally legit. You can call them or reach out through their website, they may reduce or fully void this. Especially if you paid to visit or have a membership and are allowed to park there. The arboretum has a lot of signs about this last time we went. Both in the parking structure across the street and by the main entrance.
Upset-Fudge-2703@reddit
Yeah, this happened to me in Oak Cliff. Same company. They will send it to collections. My friend disputed theirs, and didn’t have to pay. Mine was 5 minutes over, (I was literally standing in the parking lot and talking to my date) and I didn’t get it completely removed but they knocked it down to $40 and I stopped getting calls from the collection agency. $97 for 5 minutes it’s crazy though. So is $40 considering I payed for 2 hours already.
ribbit_rabbit_roo@reddit
This happened to me as well downtown. I 100% paid for the parking in the lot because I had been in the exact same lot literally the day before so I already had it ready to go on my app. So annoying.
El_Chingon214@reddit
I parked in a lot in uptown and got one like this. Went straight to the trash and just won’t ever park in any of that company’s parking garages.
thorgan_@reddit
Ahh fuck I ended up paying the reduced price
Texy@reddit
Same thing happened to me in Deep Ellum. Same company
Emergency-Fortune824@reddit
Heads up that these companies can and do send you to collections if they can figure out who you are. It’s messed up but does happen.
Is it on the Arboretum property? You may want to let them know about this so that they can talk to whoever manages their parking.
paintedlotusyt@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much for the warning! I'll keep an eye out just in case. Hopefully, they don't try anything.
You're absolutely right because it was just in their main parking lot. I'll call them today!