Thrifty Car Rental

Okay heres what happend, My boyfriend rented a car for me while we were in Orlando so that I could leave. He also rented one of those Garmins (GPS) thingys. I returned the car in West Palm Beach, the guy looked in the car and gave me my receipt (which I now cant find). Weeks later Thrifty took over 900$ out of my bank account, stating that they didn't recieve the Garmin back. We tried to debate what they were saying, but basically they already had our money so it seemed like they were just giving us the run around. Later we disputed it with our bank, who gave us a "provisional credit of the 900$ back, the bank needed the receipt in which we can't find and after several attempts of getting it back from thirfty we still don't have. So long story short, the bank has taken the 900 back, saying that we now have to go through thirfty ourselves, which we already tried. What should we do?
- asked by DonsGirl

Answer #1
First. Call your bank back at the department youused to dispute the transaction. Ask the bank forthe following, "a copy of any and all evidencethat Thrifty supplied you to prove that they wereauthorized to deduct $900 from my account?".Thebank should be able you to supply thatinformation. It may or may include the veryreceipt you are looking for but Thrifty MUST proveto the bank:1) you were issued a vehicle with aGPS device and failed to return said device;2) apolice report was filed claiming the GPS unit wasstolen from the vehicle;3) you agreed to the termsand conditions of the rental agreement by signingit.If they supply these three things, then theyhave what we call a "good case" againstyou.Second. You said they "took over $900 out ofmy bank account". This sentence implies that youpaid Thrifty using a debit card which is ahorrible practice. Don't EVER give any businesspermission to access your checking account for acar rental. That's what credit cards are for. You don't need Thrifty garnishing your checkingaccount without a hearing -- which is exactly whatthey are doing now.You have more dispute rightswith a credit card than you will ever have with aVISA debit card! Third. Send a certified letter(return-receipt requested) disputing thetransaction with Thrifty and also ask them for"any and all evidence that have to prove that youdid not return the GPS (Garmin device) and thatthey are authorized to deduct $900 from yourchecking account". Review the evidence theysupply for adequacy.If the evidence is indeedadequate, then you might want to see if yourboyfriend is selling some "Get out of jail free"cards because you are officially in thedoghouse.Final note, EVIDENCE is always king andyou are at a competitive disadvantage since youhave not retained the proper paperwork (rentalagreement and receipts). This is war and youdon't even have twigs! Don't become a casualty. Let this experience teach you the importance ofbeing organized and retaining receipts in a safeand retreivable place.
- answered by DaMan