Please help! Rental car company trying to rob me

[eugenej]

What is the name of your state?Hi,

my name is Eugene. I'm from California.

I rented a car from Fox Rent-A-Car, San Jose airport location in Novermber 2004 for a few days. On December 21, 2004 I received a letter from Fox Rent-A-Car saying that I should pay them $287 plus various fees ($360.26 total) for cigarette burn damage done to the driver seat. This is a ridiculous claim. I do not smoke at all! I returned this vehicle without any damage to it. The vehicle was inspected by their representative and he didn't find any damage. I can only guess that something happen to the car later on and they decided to charge me for that.

I disputed the claim, sending them a letter on December 28, 2004. They never responded to it. Instead, Fox Rent-A-Car sent this claim to Law Office "Claim Management, Inc" located in San Diego (619-233-8034). This office sent a threatening letter to me saying that I must pay this money or they will obtain judgement against me.

I dont know what to do and now I'm also afraid that Fox Rent-A-Car will try to charge me for all legal expenses associated with them hiring a lawyer. I don't know how to defend myself from this attack. I have
absolutely no problem paying money for the damage I incur, but paying for something I haven't done makes me furious. I feel like I'm being robbed.

Thank you,

Eugene

 

[seniorjudge]

Tell them to send you validation. Send a certified letter return receipt requested; save copies of everything.

Tell them to also send you a copy of the report showing where these burns were from.

If you have any papers relating to turning the car in, send them photocopies of this too.

Car rental agencies are real scammers sometimes; I don't trust them a bit and when I must use one, I get everything in writing and never throw it away.