Empire Parking Services [EPS]
Reviews and Complaints

I was parked in a spot in my apartment complex. With a parking pass signed by a manager at Empire Parking Services. That expired on 2/16/2024. Yet they booted me on 2/15/2024. When they came to remove the boot I showed them the pass. And was told I needed to dispute and wait 3 days. Or pay and then dispute showing them the pass. I paid the money and disputed, but never heard back from anyone about the issue. Filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau. Received a reply today 3/7/2024 that Empire Parking Services never responded so they closed it. This company is horrible especially when I was in the right and they were in the wrong. When you call to speak to someone they claim they only dispatch and to submit dispute online. Which I have done not to mention the claim number they gave me came back to a totally different car. That does not belong to me never have but still made me pay and had not gotten my money back

Vehicle was booted at some point between Midnight and 3am on 10/14/23. I will not argue whether improper parking took place to warrant booting although I could. What I WILL complain about is that the boot was not removed until approx 1220pm. Contacted the company MULTIPLE times by phone, being told the tech was on the way, and “not sure why he isn't there yet”. Literally STRANDED waiting for NINE HOURS waiting for removal resulting in my being 4 hours late for work. Absolutely unacceptable. Again, I will not even argue whether or not the vehicle SHOULD have been booted, but it taking HOURS for removal after first contact is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.

7/23 - parked in lot off Howell Mill rd and paid to park through park mobile app. came back in allotted time and found a boot. Could not dispute or speak with an actual person until $75 fee is paid. Attendant couldnt explain why boot occurred. I have receipts of paying for parking as well as paying fee to have boot removed. This company is predatory and should be allowed to boot vehicles without a mechanism for someone to speak directly before paying a fee if there is a dispute.

On Friday, July 21, 2023, EPS booted my car at MAA Brookwood. On Saturday, July 22, 2023, I paid the required $75  boot removal fee. At 8:41 PM I received a confirmation message that the boot was removed from my vehicle. When returning to the car there were two boots and a new sticker on my vehicle. After Speaking to Ben Simmons, "the only manager at EPS", he informed me that I would have to pay an additional $160 to remove the boot. He claimed there was damage to the boot and he will not remove it or refund me the $75 already paid to EPS.  I requested before and after photographs of the boot to confirm the damage was done after the boot was placed on my car, but EPS declined. I called the police to file a report and EPS would not send a manager out to show the officer what damages were done. In an effort to make it to work on time, I even tried paying the fine, but my vehicle is not even in their system. This is very inconvenient and I feel like my money was taken from me in an effort to earn more on the side. I have filed a dispute with EPS, but have not received an update and my car is still immobilized. 

Mother visiting at my apartment complex, and her car was not going to move all week as we would use mine. She parked in guest parking and I paid every day for her parking (you can only buy up to 24 hours at a time). I’ve renewed the parking every day with receipts. Night before she is going to leave, I went to go take her car and gas it up only to find a boot on it and the fine is $300! How is this possible when I’m paying for 24 hours of parking everyday?! Website claims a live dispatcher and manager 24/7 but I only get automated service. They also want you to email them for a 72-hour response window. This is unacceptable and deplorable.

On July 20, 2023 at 12pm I paid for parking for 4 hours: when I returned after 1 hour I was booted. The company told me to suck it up and claimed they boot if you are over line, but according to the law they must have a sign dictating this and do not. There is no way to speak to a live person concerning this matter. The company refuses to remove the boot regardless of what legal documents you provide them.

The kiosk machine didn’t accept the card and my phone didn’t have a charge. There was no attendant to help. Parked there for 15 mins and it was booted when I came back. Why I had to pay $75 fine? There were no hours mentioned nor the fine details and no attendant to help.

Also, incorrect license plate added in the system. Could not pay online and had to wait for some one to pick phone and come. Lot of inconvenience caused and unnecessary charge.

Transaction # 407699

Date: May 7, 2023

Tech # 132

Tech Name: Bradford F

On March 19th 2023 by 2:43pm, in the afternoon. I visited my friend at her apartment Dwell apartment luxury and was told I had to pay for parking. I scan the QR code on the wall and paid $5.75 for parking which is valid for 10 hours.

Only for me to come down by 4:03pm and see my car tires has been locked and I need to pay $75 for parking ticket.

I have called Parking Empire Services and they keep telling to me send an email to their dispute office and it will take 72hrs for them to respond. Such scammers.

After waiting for another 2hrs 19mins I have been forced to pay $75 to get my car unlocked. Their agent claims there is nothing he can do. What sort of scam is this! I am so upset about how terrible this company resolves things and I want my money back.

I parked my car at 11:40a at the shops of buckhead. When I got out of my car I unknowingly passed the EPS attendant. She watched me walk by her and said nothing. about 25 min later I walked past my car on the way to the Lululemon store in the shopping center.

That is when I saw the boot. I saw the women who I passed by earlier walking away from my car. I said excuse me ma’am I’m not sure why this boot is here. She walked away from me - and pointed to the car and said call that number. I called and there was no answer. I walked towards her again and said excuse me how can I remedy the situation and she started to walk away again and just said scan the code. I said I don’t understand why did you put this boot on my car? I’m shopping here? She said you walked out of the parking lot. You can’t walk out and come back. I told her, I did not see any sign that said I could not walk out and come back. I literally walked back 20 min later.

She wouldn’t even look me in the eye and just walked away. Before she put a boot on my car, she watched me walk away and said nothing, she saw me as an easy target to make her boot quota for the day. If she had said anything to me like “ hey if you leave this lot you will get a boot.” Or even if she pointed out the parking lot rules I would have happily moved my car and thanked her for the heads up. What is not right is that I actually was a patron there and purchased from lululemon and visited another store. But “Vi” wouldn’t take the boot off until I paid 75.00. It was preditory and wrong, she knows this too and is why she wouldn’t look me in the eye. She knew what she did was wrong. But I guess if the only job I could get was putting boots on ppls cars illegally I would have a hard time liking myself enough to look people in the eye too.

When people choose to support your company and pay $14 to park in your parking lot, they are doing so because they want their car to be safe and watched.
The Eagle Parking LAZ lot at 36 John Portman Blvd., at Portman (formerly Harris) and Peachtree Center and their booting service, Empire Parking Service, 3400 Peachtree Road, not only do not watch your car, they turn paying, early-return customers into the enemy and create nightmares for them until they pony up $75 (no receipt, btw; they promise you will get one right away by text and email; it’s a day later and I have nothing).

In my case, I could have paid $2/20 minutes in an indoor lot that I know but it was a few blocks down and I was on a tight schedule. So, I decided to support this city lot, which had plenty of empty spaces. Well, I came back 25-mins later and found a guy warning a couple not to use CR code pay option because the lot is known for playing dumb and booting cars w/ no hard-copy receipt on dash. I said, "Wow! Whew! Glad that I went the traditional route!"
Then I walked on over to my car (see first image of Toyota Highlander on left). Booted!

Soon an EPS tech drives up. He says I was booted because I double parked (I wasn't; pics avail). I’m left-handed and was avoiding a wall on my left so I parked closer to the right-side line. Then after an apparent phone call, a few minutes later, he says, "Nope. Sorry. My manager says I must collect the $75.”
Two other things were going on: I saw at least one person run back to a car and show a sign of relief that she wasn't booted. Appears she didn't pay. I also saw at least four other cars who were"double parked" by EPS standards and not booted (See four images attached here!). Eagle/EPS is extremely inconsistent.

Horrible, awful experience.

On Saturday night, 1/7/23, between 7:30-10pm my girlfriend and I met a friend for dinner at Kin No Tori Ramen Bar located at 650 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, across from Ponce City Market. The restaurant staff informed us there would be a wait for a table to become available. The restaurant was crowded and there was no place to wait inside, so the staff said we were welcome to come back when a table was ready and they would call us when it’s available. So, we briefly went across the street to use the bathroom (as the bathrooms were occupied in the restaurant) and the surrounding department stores were closed. We didn’t eat at Ponce City Market or do any shopping there. Upon our return and after dining at the restaurant, we found our car booted by Empire Parking Services. (As mentioned before, a Google search will return numerous complaints of ethical violations by this company on several consumer advocacy websites.)

The EPS worker, who was waiting inside his car in the parking lot, and watching as people leaved so he could boot cars and collect money, told us it would be $75 to have the boot removed. We informed that him we were paying customers of the Ramen Bar and even had the restaurant manager come out to vouch for us but he responded that it didn't matter. As soon as customers leave the parking lot, they are subject to being booted. Without, any evidence other than the booter's word, mind you. When asked how we were supposed to know about this, he pointed to a small, roughly 8 1/2 by 11 sign posted well below eye level, but these signs are not even present at the exit or entrance to the lot. He also said he caught us on camera leaving without showing us any evidence of that. How is this legal? This is obviously a scam with no pretense of policing parking. The only motivation is collecting fees, as we were genuine paying customers of the restaurant with no intention to taking advantage of the lot for other purposes; we were simply waiting for a table to become available. Additionally, we were encouraged by the restaurant staff to return when a table was ready and no warning was given that if we were to cross the street even briefly that our vehicle would be booted.

The booting technician informed us that his company was hired, or given permission to prey there, by the property owner. But there is no indication of this on the signage of the lot. I not see any listing of a property owner on the sign, which is required by Georgia law. I will no longer spend my money at this location, and will advise everyone I can to do likewise. I'd venture to say that this location will be losing a lot of customers because of this.

I filing this complaint because my car was booted and I was appointed a technician to come out and remove the boot the technician came several hours later and dud remove boot I was told that he will put everything in the notes of the following issues of him coming late and will return the following day to remove the boot the next I was appointed a different technician which he told me he was arriving on his way , he called me back and told me he wasn't coming out because I didn't pay by card which I told him I only had cash which it was an option for me to pay by cash by the following option on you all call .I just don't understand this situation and I'm in need of help right now this boot have cause me to lose my job that will cost me to be be behind on my rent this is a very serious matter please reach out to be please .

12/3/2022 my vehicle was booted. When trying to find out the reason the customer agent is not aware why a boot is placed on my vehicle. I had to request dispatch to find out the reason and he told me I was booted for a vehicle not registered in Parkez system that I would have to pay $95 for removal. I asked if they could contact or meet me at the leasing office my vehicle is registered for proof; I was told absolutely not and that if the complex wanted it removed they would text them to have it removed. The leasing office verified my vehicle is registered and not sure why they booted my car. This company tech is notorious for doing this based on complaints from other residents. This has inconvenienced my entire work day and I’m not happy with the customer service. They are rude and greedy.

On July 31, my car was booted at the New Realm Brewery. When leaving the area, I noticed the car was booted and did not understand, seeing as how I paid for parking and even extended the time. Upon checking the receipt I found an error on my end of transposing one of the tag letters (the car was a rental). When I called the company, they said they were having issues with their system so I would have to wait for a person to come out (as there were several people with boots on their vehicles). When the person finally made it they said that since I had proof of paying for parking I could reach out to the dispute department for a refund. The $75 I paid was in cash due to the online payment issues. To date, I have called several times, only to be directed from one voicemail to another. I have also sent several emails, all with the receipts from the parking that I paid for. I have not received any return communication through email or phone. As I'm reading other reviews it's clear this business acts in bad faith and just scams people. Why have a dispute department if you're not going to settle or respond to complaints?

I was booted 20 minutes before time was up and an hour later the technician arrived and when asked why I was booted, he said I ran out of time at 9:10. Showed him the screenshot and he scrolled for a minute then said I put down the wrong number for the parking spot, 28 instead of 29. He then went on to lie and said that'd I'd be able to get reimbursed after getting an email, but it's all a dead end.

Good Evening,

My name is Parisse Torres and I had an unpleasant encounter with your booting service on 10/01/22. I arrived at MAA apartments to visit a relative and upon arrival, I parked in the lower level of the visitors parking lot. While I was visiting my relative, she registered my vehicle to be in the parking lot. When I returned to my vehicle, it was booted, even though my vehicle was registered to park there. I called the attendant and questioned the guidelines on the parking procedure, which he advised me that there was no time limit on when the vehicle needed to be registered but because it was not registered when he came by, he booted my vehicle. I was saddened to hear that even though I corrected my error and had proof that my vehicle was authorized to be parked there, I still was forced to pay a $75 fine. I would like to speak with a manager because I don’t feel as though I should be punished if I was able to rectify the situation.

I received my first (and last boot) ever in life super early (circa 1AM in Atlanta, GA) this morning whiie out at a party. I parked at 1000 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (as I have several times in recent months) and paid via the app/website: SpotHero. I've never had any issues (w/ any authorities) parking at 1000 Marietta St. NW until unexpectedly this morning as my Homegirl walked w/ me to my car. We called the number on the window sticker (at about 245AM) & the attendant (a black male w/ a sickening + I HATE AND MISTREAT black women in particular on a daily attitude) answered and harassed us the entire few minutes call, ultimately refusing to even come and do the job/work he decided to give himself late in the night, PLUS he hung up on us w/ his rudeness.

We then called Atlanta PD to further mediate and had to wait an additional 20+ minutes for the rude attendant to show up. While we waited on the rudeness: I ended up seeing the lot's Security Official for the evening (an older woman who works for Allied Security I believe) and shared my experience and she informed me that several other cars near mine were booted early this morning by the same (choose your insult here), at the same time & in the same lot I was parked in.

Upon arrival, the unprofessional attendant aggressively communicated w/ the Officer, who was also non-problematic, insulting me & my friend to him + lying on us, etc. After continuing to be a headache, the attendant reluctantly removed the boot from my vehicle finally.

Ultimately (if not done already, we need to be refunded our $75 for the wrongful placement of the boot on my vehicle since as I stated prior: I've always paid via SpotHero (who I will be notifying of this very nightmare) and I've never had problems parking here.

The GARBAGE attendant I speak of & had dealings w/ should be fired, OR better yet: Some kind of class action suit against Empire needs to happen so this entire scam can be shut down immediately and all of the a******** OUT OF A JOB & BUSINESS.

By now: It's known how pretty much impossible it is to speak to an actual + reasonable person via Empire, but I do need a proper resolve for this situation ASAP.

I was out with my boyfriend on September 18, 2022 we decided to go to New Realm Brewery in Atlanta for a few drinks. We decided to park at the self-parking lot instead of doing valet parking since it would be cheaper. We parked at common ground parking right next to New Realm. There was a self pay station that you can pay at or you can do it through your phone through Parkeaz. We decided to do it through my phone since it would be faster. We parked at 7:26pm and payed for 3 hour parking which was $3.75. I got my confirmation with the expiration time on it which was 10:26pm. After we were done eating we decided to take a walk down the beltline. We walked back to our car at 9:50pm. We noticed there were 2 boots. One on the driver side and another on the back tire. We both were extremely frustrated and had to call the number that was on the note that was left on the window. Luckily, the guy was already in the parking lot and came by. We explained to him our situation and even showed him our confirmation that we got on the phone by email. When we showed him our confirmation he stated that we had entered the wrong license plate number. It was one letter off. The license plate had a "V" and we had put a "B". After all that all he said was "cash or card." I understand that the letter was different but we still payed for our parking and when looking at the license plate you can clearly see that it was just a mistake by one letter. I don't believe its fair to have to pay for a boot especially after you have paid for your parking. Even before we payed for parking we noticed a lot of cars had already been booted and even when returning there were multiple cars around that us that were booted. Now I don't know the reason for booting the other cars but this company is clearly unfairly booting people and just looking for money. I am extremely frustrated at this situation, I have tried calling the number multiple times and there is no response. The only thing that is giving you to do an option for is to pay over the phone. Extremely unfair to put a boot on someones car especially after we paid and we showed confirmation. Also, when looking at the keyboard you can clearly see that the letter "B" and "V" are right next to each other. This person and the company knew what they were trying to do and that was to get money out of people. I am extremely upset and frustrated at this situation. Not only is there not parking that is free around these restaurants because its Atlanta but when there is parking and you pay for it you still get booted. I have added an image of my confirmation with all the times and dates on it. I have crossed off my email for privacy. This situation is extremely unfair and wrong.

On August 12, 2022 I had taken my wife out in Atlanta, GA for her birthday. I paid for 24 hour parking at 6:43pm. We walked 1 block to eat dinner at Taco Mac, before returning to retrieve something from my car then walking 1 block to the Vortex to see a comedy show at the Laughing Skull Lounge. When we returned to our vehicle at roughly 11:20pm we discovered we had 2 boots on our car.

We attempted to contact the company to explain that we had a parking pass showing we paid for 24 hours of parking at 6:43pm that had been left on our dash. We were informed that regardless of it being a mistake or not, the only way to have the boots removed was to pay them 75 dollars and to then contact the disputes department to attempt to get a refund. It did not matter what was said, they maintained that we HAD to pay them money to get our car back to drive. So we paid them $76.50 ($75 plus $1.50 for some other fee, which was unexplained). Both my wife and I filed compaints with their "disputes" department, while my wife was never responded to, I did receive a response from this so called "disputes" department; who like many others got no where. Although the parking lot has cameras, they refused to check them, or acknowledge the ticket i sent them an image of. And instead claimed "the tech saw me leave", although the car never once moved after being parked, and as such they have refused me a refund.

This is by definition fraud and extortion. They know people cannot simply abandon their vehicles and thus can charge you both to park, and then remove the boot they improperly put on.