What is the "El Paseo Valet Padding and Hidden Charges" scam in Palm Springs?

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El Paseo in Palm Desert—the Coachella Valley's luxury shopping boulevard running east from Highway 74 toward Portola Avenue—is lined with valet operations where attendants inflate fees or add unrequested "tip included" charges to the valet ticket. Some valet operations at restaurants on El Paseo charge $20–$35 for parking that is available free in adjacent public lots on San Luis Rey Avenue and Sage Lane. Complaints about scratches or minor damage appearing on vehicles after valet service are also documented. Before handing your car to a valet, photograph the vehicle from all four sides with a timestamp. Ask the exact valet fee upfront and whether gratuity is included. On El Paseo, walk one block to public lots on San Luis Rey Avenue where parking is free—the distance is negligible.

Money & ATM Scams in Palm Springs

El Paseo Valet Padding and Hidden Charges

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