ST. LOUIS — The City of St. Louis forgave tickets issued to Cardinals fans who were taken advantage of by fake parking attendants during last week's home opener.
Several fans returning to their cars Thursday were surprised to find parking tickets on their windshields, even though they had paid to park on a grassy lot off of Broadway.
St. Louis Treasurer Adam Layne said tickets were voided for everyone who unknowingly illegally left their cars on the lot after scammers posing as parking attendants charged them $40 for parking.
"It’s unfortunate for those who were looking to enjoy Cardinals Opening Day were taken advantage of by parking scammers. We’re happy to have the support of fans and want fans to enjoy their complete experience from parking to the ballpark," Layne said.
Those who received tickets for parking on the lot do not need to take further action, Layne said.
"I encourage all parkers to do their due diligence in making sure you’re using verified parking when attending events across the city," Layne said.
Officials said last week that they were investigating the incident.
"All our staff are identified in uniform and their vests state City of St. Louis Parking Division on the back of their vests. If someone is in an un-uniformed vest – this is a fraudulent and unauthorized attempt to collect your money,” said Felice McClendon with the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office.
City leaders encourage drivers to use city-owned lots and parking garages. Those who use private lots should make sure they are legitimate before paying.
City leaders say grassy lots are not meant for parking. They encourage drivers to use city-owned lots and parking garages. There are also private lots but you have to ensure they're legit.
"Knowing what that means to people in the city and outside of the city to come to opening day at a Cardinals game and then to have 100 cars where we were parked alone get parking tickets is just crazy,” Kujawa said.
While the city says the parking tickets are justified, officials say they are investigating the incident since there is no permit on record for the location where those cars parked.