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Report: #74294

Complaint Review: RentaCenter - Independence Missouri

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  • Updated:
  • Reported By: Independence Missouri
  • Author Not Confirmed What's this?
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  • RentaCenter 3515 S. Noland Road Independence, Missouri U.S.A.

"Little Man" At RentaCenter Independence Jason-Manager Scaring children after dark peeping in windows harrassing family members character defamation blocks driveway of target threatens Independence Missouri

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: To fellow ex-employees

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: ITS THEIR MENTALITY

*Consumer Suggestion: not all low income people have bad credit

*Consumer Suggestion: not all low income people have bad credit

*Consumer Suggestion: not all low income people have bad credit

*Consumer Suggestion: not all low income people have bad credit

*Consumer Suggestion: john-chandler arizona - not all people who use these places are low income people with bad credit.

*Consumer Suggestion: marc-makaha hawaill

*Consumer Comment: To funny

*Consumer Comment: you almost had me fooled

*Consumer Comment: Facts

*Consumer Comment: Little Man

*Consumer Comment: LITTLE MAN COME AND KNOCK ON MY DOOR

*Consumer Comment: YOUR TACTICS ARE AGGRESSIVE

*Consumer Comment: Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

*Consumer Comment: Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

*Consumer Comment: Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

*Consumer Comment: Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

*Consumer Suggestion: RAC's great customers

*UPDATE Employee: ALL PRICE TAGS STATE NEW OR USED

*Consumer Suggestion: Business Practices Are So Bad, RAC Is On Borrowed Time

*Consumer Comment: I wish I owned a Rent-a-Center

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Only Doing His Job

*UPDATE Employee: READ WHAT YOU SIGN!!!

*Consumer Comment: Rent-A-Center and other rent-to-own places

*Consumer Suggestion: I used to work for RAC and....

*Consumer Suggestion: You should have Called the police

*Consumer Comment: Ric - Palmdale, California

*Consumer Suggestion: my response

*Consumer Suggestion: my response

*Consumer Suggestion: my response

*Consumer Suggestion: my response

*Consumer Comment: two rights dont make a wrong

*Consumer Comment: Jail? It varies State to State

*Consumer Comment: the womans children

*UPDATE Employee: Your Choice!

*Consumer Suggestion: Constructive Advice

*Consumer Comment: R.A.C Questions

*Consumer Comment: Get Back on tarck

*Consumer Comment: Get Back on tarck

*Consumer Comment: Get Back on tarck

*Consumer Comment: Get Back on tarck

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: 2 Sides To Every Story

*Consumer Comment: My recent Experience and letter to Rent-a Center

*Consumer Comment: Theft is theft is theft

*Consumer Comment: it is against the law for rent a center to harass you

*Consumer Suggestion: BAD ADVICE FROM JIM..

*Consumer Comment: you guys are the biggest crooks in town

*Consumer Comment: you guys are the biggest crooks in town

*Consumer Comment: you guys are the biggest crooks in town

*Consumer Comment: Owing what it due

*UPDATE Employee: Jail??? I find all of these comments off the main subject

*Consumer Comment: OWNERSHIP

*Consumer Comment: ACTUALLY, SOMEONE CAN GO TO JAIL...

*Consumer Suggestion: Rent-A-Center Out of Line!!!!!!!

*UPDATE Employee: Its our job... a lot of pressure to resolve past due accounts

*Consumer Comment: I didn't realize that children had been left home alone

*Consumer Comment: THIS WOMAN SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS !!!

*Consumer Comment: You should have returned the rental items.

*Consumer Comment: You should have returned the rental items.

*Consumer Comment: You should have returned the rental items.

*Consumer Comment: You should have returned the rental items.

*Consumer Suggestion: You should have called the police.

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Presenting itself as a friendly, helpful, and courteous service for a divorcing mother of two, RentaCenter began a series of amazing, (at least for THIS renter) events over a mere four months time.

When payments were initially made by mail, I was informed that company does not accept checks as a form of payment. This lack of info caused payment to be considered "late". A due date of "Saturdays" was established at that time and was the basis of every penny charged.

The "Personal References" of me were treated as "Co-Signers" and harrassed with numerous calls used as an opportunity to make derogitory remarks and pry for personal info about me.

After a family emergency took me out of town, I came back to find out that my children, while waiting after school at home for friend of mine to come babysit them, were scared and threatened by "Little Man" beating on every door and window and actually peeping through blinds at them.

After I contacted the store manager and mutually come to payment catch-up arrangements the very next morning, "Little Man" decides to change arrangements later same day and show up at my home, intentionally blocking me in my own driveway with that huge truck, and demands rental property with no prior notice.

When I refused and informed him I was needing to leave for family plans, I was threatened with the local police, Federal Theft charges, and Prosecuting Attorneys. Obviously assuming that all blondes are ignorant to the law.

I don't know if I have a leg to stand on with this complaint, as I agree that my absence for 3 weeks was not good for my payment history. However, I still can't seem to justify just how much this Little Man with too big of a job decided to put me AND my children AND my friends AND family.


Kim
Independence, Missouri
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 12/06/2003 06:00 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/rentacenter/independence-missouri-64055/little-man-at-rentacenter-independence-jason-manager-scaring-children-after-dark-peeping-74294. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
63Consumer
0Employee/Owner

#63 UPDATE EX-employee responds

To fellow ex-employees

AUTHOR: Moon - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, July 08, 2006

I did leave on bad terms with the company, being harrassed myself and discriminated against. However I am not going to be foolish enouhg to say that i was trained hard tactics or that i was even encouraged to use them.

Any ex-employe, that had the pleasure of reading the 10lb focus 1 books kniow that it does tell you legal and illegal tactics. It will go into detail about how to deal with costomer problems without insulting or demeaning them.

I will admit that there were times where i myself did use some creative means to accomplish a result. I did my very best to get to know every one of my customers, there problems were and to work with them as much as I could. That is not to say that i did not have those bad customers that you had to hound. I just never crossed that line. I was for a mojority of the time able to keep my numbers good. As an account manager I just tried to respct all my customer who in turn respcted me. Not only did I know my hard customers by sight I new my good customers too. So for employees to say that harrassment is needed to get the payment thay are wrong. It is illegal to use harrassment, threats, coersion, ect. to get what the are after. If employees actually read their training book, then they also know that it is illegal to call a customers work when it has been requested that they stop.

Any action that could threaten the customers employeement is a no no. Howerver, RAC gets away with it when it uses uses harsh tactics because customers do not know there rights or are to scared to get law officials involved. the sad thing is that when you have a company that makes over 4 billion dollars a year and holds lawyers on retainer in every state who are payed to be ready at all times, well they are going to get away with a lot.

I am not saying that every store of every employee did things wrong, but I did know quite a few who did. I, however, find it very disturbing that people who would get into this type of work without first learning there rights as a collector and with out knmow the rights of the consumer. I worked in colections for more than just one company, I was very disturbed at how little the people in these jobs really know about the rights of the customer when it comes to collections. When we go to there home to get the companies merch. they hold all the rights, if they do not want us there we are the ones trespassing.

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#62 UPDATE EX-employee responds

ITS THEIR MENTALITY

AUTHOR: U KNOW ME - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, July 07, 2006

WOW,this is all so typical.This is what rent a center does to people they pray on people they are like a bunch of cockroaches.Do any of you people get this yet.Employees are trained and pressured to hit numbers and the only way they can do that is by threating customers.All the people with rebuttles here from rent a center are PERFECT and pay all their bills on time(its a crock of s**t).Some of what the rebuttles say are correct they do service most people with bad credit or low income familys,but when i worked for them i had lawyers,doctors,ceos,that were my customers.So all you rent a center loyals get off your d**n high horses.


You are no better than the next person and the way you treat people is NOT exceptable.It is none of your buisness what goes on in your customers lifes.Do your self justice and help out a good paying customer because one day youll be s**t on by the company not matter how good of an employee you are or what your numbers are.YOU are always replaceable and there is always someone waiting to take your place.You will regret treating people the way you do.In the real world all people have been late paying bills including the ones who say they are mightier than thou.I feel really sorry for all you customers,becuase no matter if you call and let them know youll be late you still get the third degree.My advise to anyone is DO NOT RENT FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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#61 Consumer Suggestion

not all low income people have bad credit

AUTHOR: Cynthia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

you people that think all low income people have bad credit are sorely off base. There are alot of high income people out there that have worse credit than most. so think about what you write before you post it. not all poor people are crooks or credit risks.

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#60 Consumer Suggestion

not all low income people have bad credit

AUTHOR: Cynthia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

you people that think all low income people have bad credit are sorely off base. There are alot of high income people out there that have worse credit than most. so think about what you write before you post it. not all poor people are crooks or credit risks.

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#59 Consumer Suggestion

not all low income people have bad credit

AUTHOR: Cynthia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

you people that think all low income people have bad credit are sorely off base. There are alot of high income people out there that have worse credit than most. so think about what you write before you post it. not all poor people are crooks or credit risks.

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#58 Consumer Suggestion

not all low income people have bad credit

AUTHOR: Cynthia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

you people that think all low income people have bad credit are sorely off base. There are alot of high income people out there that have worse credit than most. so think about what you write before you post it. not all poor people are crooks or credit risks.

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#57 Consumer Suggestion

john-chandler arizona - not all people who use these places are low income people with bad credit.

AUTHOR: Cynthia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

I for one have a rental agreement with another company and pay my bills on time. I dont have your so called entitlement attitude. I work hard for what i have. get your facts straight.

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#56 Consumer Suggestion

marc-makaha hawaill

AUTHOR: Cynthia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

you make it sound like all people that rent from these rent to own places are deadbeats. I'll have you know I have a rental agreement with another company. My payments are current, the only reason Im doing this is because Im in the process of trying to clean up my credit report. So where do you get off thinking all people that use these places are deadbeats. Granted there are some people out there that do try things to get around paying but the majority of us are honest hardworking people that do pay there bills even there rent to own bills.

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#55 Consumer Comment

To funny

AUTHOR: Amy - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006

YOU PEOPLE CRACK ME UP. LET'S SEE FIRST SOME WANT HER IN JAIL FOR LEAVING HER KIDS HOME ALONE. THEN OTHERS SAY JAIL HER FOR NON-PAYMENT... IT SEEMS YOU ALL MISSED WHERE SHE SAID SHE MAILED CHECKS. BEING IT WASN'T EXPLAINED TO HER AT THE TIME OF REANTAL SHE COULDN'T.SO THAT TELLS ME THAT THE SALES PERSON DIDN'T GO OVER THE CONTRACT WITH HER AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOW I HAVE RENTED FROM R A C MANY TIMES. I HAVE PAID WITH CHECKS FOR YEARS SO I AM CONFUSED OF WHY SHE WASN'T ALOUD TO PAY BY CHECK. OF COUSE HAS BEEN MANY YEARS THEY MAY HAVE CHANGED THEIR PRATICE ON THIS. AS FOR "LTTLE MAN" HE'S LUCKY IT WASN'T ME HE TRIED TO PULL THAT CRAP ON. OK ON THE FACT SHE HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY AND HAD TO LEAVE TOWN AND OPPS LET'S SEE OO YEA I SORRY MOM YOUR IN THE HOPITAL POSSIBLY DIEING BUT RAC PAYMENTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT I HAVE TO GO HOME AND PAY THEM IN CASH EVERY WEEK. YEA SHE SHOULD HAVE CALLED WHEN SHE WAS OUT OF TOWN AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS GOING ON BUT HEY WHEN STRESSED THE FIRST THING YOU THINK ABOUT IS NOT GOING TO BE RAC PAYMENTS. SHE DID CALL WHEN SHE GOT HOME AND MADE ARRENGMENTS.
AND FOR THE INGNORANT REPLY FROM SOMEONE SAYING HE WAS ONLY LOOKING IN THE WINDOWS TO SEE IF SHE MOVED WOULD NO CONSITUTE POUNDING ON THEM ALL AND LOOKING IN...

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#54 Consumer Comment

you almost had me fooled

AUTHOR: D - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006

John, you almost had me believing that you weren't making judgements. But as I read into your post, it became apparent that you are in fact passing judgement on Kim as if she were intentionally breaking the terms of the contract. I sure would like to see the research, documents, stats, ect.... that you base your "facts" on. You're saying most people who go to RAC are people with bad credit or crack heads. I believe you are making all kinds of judgements and assumptions throughout your post. Kim did state that she sent a payment in by check, but RAC wouldn't accept checks.

Again, please show us your evidence that backs up the "facts" as you stated.

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#53 Consumer Comment

Facts

AUTHOR: John - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006

Here are the facts and not judgments. Most people that use Rent-A-Center have bad credit or no credit which mean they for what ever reason have not paid creditors in the past. The merchandice is owned by Rent-A-Center not the consumer. In most states there are 2 laws that address the criminal aspect.

If the merchandice has been sold and the proceeds of the sale have not been given to Rent-A-Center, then it is "Theft by Conversersion". If the customer simply refuses to give the merchandice back then it becomes "Hindering a Secured Creditor".

Since the account manager at Rent-A-Center has to bring his delinquency down in the most expedient way posible, he would, if he could file those charges. The authorites however would rather view this as a civil matter. In order for Rent-A-Center to get their stuff back they would have to file a whit of replevins in the civil courts. Not practical for them as this is a time concuming issue and the delinquency stays on the books everyday making both the store and the account manager look bad.

Companies like Rent-A-Center have to deal with attitudes of entitlement. Low income people with bad credit want the same things as someone like me who can afford whatever we want or have credit or cash to get it. Somehow they think they should have it without going to school or paying their dues in the workforce. Sometimes it's about finding something to babysit the kids while they work ie Playstation or TV. Other issues are preditors like crack heads that get the stuff just to pawn it for another hit. Either way you are dealing with a high risk group of people.

My thoughts are that if I can't afford to buy it, I should not have it. Good credit is something you have to work on continuously. When it's bad part of the process is to pay higher interest rates or deal with Rent-A-Center to get what you want. Don't complain that other people break the rules you think exist when you yourself break the rules by not following the terms and conditions of the contract (s) you have signed.

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#52 Consumer Comment

Little Man

AUTHOR: D - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006

First of all, all you freaks out there coming down on Kim like you are have no clue whatsoever. You make snap judgements and rail against her with you foul brain vomit accusations. For you people I say go climb a tree. "Little Man" is risking a lot by walking around houses banging on windows and such. He's likely to ge shot if he does that to the wrong person. And if he did get his a** blown to peices, and I was the deciding member of a jury at the shooter's murder trial, he would go free with my thanks of ridding the world of another a*****e. To the rovian hack RAC employee who tries to justify tresspassing and burglary with the lame excuse of RAC pressuring people to collect, GET ANOTHER JOB IF YOUR EMPLOYER PRESSURES YOU TO VOILATE THE LAW!!!!

You're insane to think it's ok to do those kinds of things in the name of job performance. Nothing in the original post suggests that Kim had no intentions of paying her account. You read the post, but you are really simply looking for someone to trash on this site to satisfy some inner urge to judge people.

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#51 Consumer Comment

LITTLE MAN COME AND KNOCK ON MY DOOR

AUTHOR: Mario - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006

U know what people got through tough times others get called out of town whatever the reason is it happens to most of us. U get set back on payments u try and catch up sometimes u do sometimes u don't. If u spent alot of money already for the stuff than u would try to do whatever u can to save it, if u didn't pay to much u would let it go.

however all this nonsense about going to jail get real people, justice is blind. we have personlly rented some items from RAC and have been late on our payments and u know what stuff we didn't want we let them take others we pay them for. All they want is money thats what we have experienced. How ever they have never done to us what they've done to u. Maybe it's because you're a single mother and they see there is no man in the house. Here I have my husband. So LITTLE MAN COME AND KNOCK ON MY DOOR and try to treat us the way u treated her, I DON'T THINK SO. To all u people out there who are planning to use RAC check out the people who work there and first see if those are people u want to do business with.

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#50 Consumer Comment

YOUR TACTICS ARE AGGRESSIVE

AUTHOR: Ruth - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006

when I was young and didn't know any better, I too, went to RAC, now hear this there was another woman with the same last name as mine, only one L missing out of the last name, first names are different, I was constantly being told I was past due until iprovided the receipts they gave me showing I paid cash.

rather than admit they credited this other womans account many times, AND CORRECTED IT MANY TIMES
Their tactics are aggressive and illegal in some cases, I know I spoke to an attorney that advised me to take them t court, but I didn't , I was young didn't have the retainer money ,and truthfully after all the physical stuff they did , grabbing my hand, as I tried to shut the door, sticking their foot in my door, and pounding on my windows scaring me half to death,
I was afraid they would actually HURT me or my family. Once i took that box in though and gave them that attorneys phone #, they sure stopped in their tracks, no amount of furniture is worth the terrifying experience those employees put me through!I don't care if they are threatened with their jobs or not, what kind of people do that kind of stuff anyways, unless they are mean by nature, I have never went to RAC again and now a long time later, I am doing well and own every stick of furniture in my house, and I bought it one stick at at time and not by RAC! I believe the original poster, becuase I know what tactics they used with me, AND I PAID THEM!

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#49 Consumer Comment

Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006

Gina,

If you are financially solid with good credit, there is absolutely no reason for you to even go into a RAC store or any rent to own.

Unless you are renting short term in a new home while shopping for your own furniture/appliances, or in a seasonal rental.

The rent to own industry is not going anywhere anytime soon. They target the uneduacated and financially strapped, especially those with poor or no credit.

The more low wage jobs that get created, will cause more RAC locations to open. People with these jobs cannot qualify for traditional credit to buy these high ticket items.

Just wait until 12 million illegals get guest worker status. The RTO industry will triple.

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#48 Consumer Comment

Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006

Gina,

If you are financially solid with good credit, there is absolutely no reason for you to even go into a RAC store or any rent to own.

Unless you are renting short term in a new home while shopping for your own furniture/appliances, or in a seasonal rental.

The rent to own industry is not going anywhere anytime soon. They target the uneduacated and financially strapped, especially those with poor or no credit.

The more low wage jobs that get created, will cause more RAC locations to open. People with these jobs cannot qualify for traditional credit to buy these high ticket items.

Just wait until 12 million illegals get guest worker status. The RTO industry will triple.

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#47 Consumer Comment

Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006

Gina,

If you are financially solid with good credit, there is absolutely no reason for you to even go into a RAC store or any rent to own.

Unless you are renting short term in a new home while shopping for your own furniture/appliances, or in a seasonal rental.

The rent to own industry is not going anywhere anytime soon. They target the uneduacated and financially strapped, especially those with poor or no credit.

The more low wage jobs that get created, will cause more RAC locations to open. People with these jobs cannot qualify for traditional credit to buy these high ticket items.

Just wait until 12 million illegals get guest worker status. The RTO industry will triple.

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#46 Consumer Comment

Gina, you are not the type of customer RAC targets..

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006

Gina,

If you are financially solid with good credit, there is absolutely no reason for you to even go into a RAC store or any rent to own.

Unless you are renting short term in a new home while shopping for your own furniture/appliances, or in a seasonal rental.

The rent to own industry is not going anywhere anytime soon. They target the uneduacated and financially strapped, especially those with poor or no credit.

The more low wage jobs that get created, will cause more RAC locations to open. People with these jobs cannot qualify for traditional credit to buy these high ticket items.

Just wait until 12 million illegals get guest worker status. The RTO industry will triple.

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#45 Consumer Suggestion

RAC's great customers

AUTHOR: Nick - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006

I loved this response:

i hate you rent a center i called to buy a ps2 on payments and with the price i would have to pay in 2 months i could buy a brand new one.
i might rip you guys off just to get back at you for all the people you have wronged over the years.

you are taking advantage of poor people by charging 3 times what things are worth.


Maybe you should take that monthy payment and get a new keyboard. It seems to me that your Caps Lock is broken.

There is a reason those people are poor. They haven't figured out how to manage money, which is why they can't afford those items in the first place.

Isn't it great to have an "equalizer" like Joe whose Robin Hood-like tactics will get him in jail?

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#44 UPDATE Employee

ALL PRICE TAGS STATE NEW OR USED

AUTHOR: Randy - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 02, 2006

I AM A EMPLOYEE FOR RENT A CENTER, THE MONEY BACK POLICY IS IF YOU RETURN IT WITH IN A WEEK. THE EMPLOYEE SHOULD NOT HAVE TOLD YOU ANYTHING DIFFERENT.ALSO IT IS A CASH REFUND, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS IN STORE CREDIT.RENT A CENTER DOES HAVE A 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH PRICE ON EVERY TAG WHICH is not double the price of the merchadise. the weekly price is taken off the 90 day price each time you make a payment,and before your 90 days time frame has expired you pay off the merchadise at a lower price.also each price tag has new or used checked on the tag,we cannot change the tag, if it is used the computer checks used. i apoligize for all the rude employees that i have read about, if any of my employees acted in this manor they would be taken care of in the best possible manor.

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#43 Consumer Suggestion

Business Practices Are So Bad, RAC Is On Borrowed Time

AUTHOR: Gina - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 09, 2006

Rent-A-Center Employee's: Don't tell me that you and others as a group, can't DEMAND an OVERHAUL on RAC's business practices! Unless you are proud of the derisive, submersive sabotage and bushwacking of good, honest, hard-working customers! Shame on you! You MIGHT THINK you have every right in the world to scam and sham slow-paying, irresponsible customers..... or take advantage of modest-income individuals...... BUT COME ON.... for crying-out-loud!

Reader's: I am an upper-middleclass person.... not that it should matter.....NAIVE.... is also what I am!!! And that shouldn't matter, either! A BAD RIP OFF, IS A BAD RIP OFF!!!

I owned a nice laptop that I basically wore out. I wanted to buy another. A good friend told me about RAC and that they had several brands of newer, top of the line laptops that students rent for a few weeks at a time based on writing reports, thesis, etc. They rent for a couple of weeks and then they return the rented laptop. She thought that maybe I could get a good deal on a used, up-to-date model. I thought it bore looking into....

I went in to my local RAC to check out what they had to offer. They had three different ones, all had been previously used (I specifically requested "used"). I was also offered two weeks of free rental if I would pay for two weeks of the rental charge up-front. I was told if I wanted, I could also exchange each laptop out for another to try, if I wanted, upon return of the current rented laptop. And if I decided I wanted to return it, whatever portion I didn't use would be refunded in full. So far so good.....

I was COMPLETELY open and honest with the very sales-rep. in that I wanted to try it out, but was not sure if I wanted to go into a long-term contract by purchasing with them. It was purely, as far as I knew, "a short-term" rental.
That I was "on the fence" as a new customer".

The guy was totally cool and responded with, "that's great! So if you decide to return it and only have it for the two weeks of free rental period, you'll get a full refund of the two weeks you paid, and you'll have gotten to try it for free!" So I paid almost $100.00 up-front, IN CASH, for the "pay two weeks and get get two weeks free" option. This would, in essence, give me a full 4 week rental of the laptop; two weeks free, two weeks paid in full.

I used it and loved it! My husband and I were not familiar with 'the rent-to-own' theory, so we looked carefully at the dollar figures. When my husband and I did the math, however, based on the contract terms, I would have ended up paying over $3,000.00 for a laptop that would cost me only $1,200.00 somewhere else, and for a brand new one.

I made, of course, the choice to buy the laptop from an electronic retailer, from whom I received a great sale-markdown, and on top of that, a large rebate which dropped the price down to $800 something.

I returned the rented laptop, within the two-week-free rental period; with receipt in-hand, and the contract. I was anticipating a refund of $97.00.

Upon presentation I was told "we don't give cash refunds". Also that "The refund will be for store-credit, only".

They were keeping my $97.00 cash!!!!

What kind of a "high-end" merchandiser does that kind of thing?????

It's futile to go into how upset I was and am!

We journeyed through a year of my placing phone calls with no production of the refund. They were rude on the phone, and condecending. I have never been treated that way by any business, that they basically anticipated or expected me to spend more money, to get my money back; I had to go about figuring out how to get my money WITHOUT spending more money.

The end of the story goes like this: after calling them several times throughout the course of a year, demanding a lawful return of my money to absolutely no avail, my husband and I finally went into RAC. We didn't NEED or WANT anything, and specifically, we didn't need or want anything RAC had. But we knew we had almost a hundred dollars on "the books" and we were being forced to buy something or leave it behind. We decided we could maybe buy one new bedroom-lamp. They refused to sell a "single" lamp, that they only come in matching pairs. The pairs were all DRASTICALLY over priced with what I would call "new" merchandise pricing. They were very expensive pairs and would have forced me into feeding more of our hard-earned money into their food-chain.

My husband, thinking logically, requested to see lamps that were "previously owned". I was flabbergasted! Over half of the sets ALREADY on the show-room floor were used, but not one tag revealed that to the average customer! And the sets all had "new" pricing! My husband started negotiating the price of one previously-owned set, with the sales-rep. Because he couldn't give us the price we wanted, he pulled in the manager, and we all agreed to $97.00 for the pair, cash-out, take-'em home, done-deal. They, of course, did not realize that we were purchasing off our so called "store-credit". The manager was NOT HAPPY when it was brought to his attention, as this "cash-out" purchase coupled with "store credit" required his approval for the sale! He seemed to have gotten a little "frosted-up" and became VERY cold, even turned and went into his office and shut the door without so much as a "wave". Tough luck, eh big-guy???? LOL

Chances are, when you go into any RAC store, anywhere, you are already looking at previously used merchandise, but with a "new" price tag. Establish with the sales-rep that you specifically want previously owned. You'll be amazed at how much stuff they have on their show-room floor that is previously used and they are selling as new!

Suffice it to say that they lost a good customer with a solid credit rating and history!

I WILL NEVER, EVER AGAIN, GO INTO THAT ESTABLISHMENT, AND IF I HEAR THAT SOMEONE I KNOW IS CONSIDERING IT, THEN I ENLIGHTEN THEM! It always results in another individual being spared the Rent A Center AMBUSH and sorry, sour, business practices they have to offer!

Also of course, resulting in "lost revenue" for Rent-A-Center. Sooner or later, as you, RAC, are inclined to keep up the customer clientele of the desperate, naive (like me) and criminal, your doors are destined to close! You are, after all.... YOUR REPUTATION.... And I think yours is being served rightfully, given this forum!

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#42 Consumer Comment

I wish I owned a Rent-a-Center

AUTHOR: Marc - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, December 29, 2005

The comments from all the craphouse lawyers is hilarious. The rent-to-own businesses would be out of business and shut down had any of you sea-lawyers were to know what you're talking about, yet the centers are doing better than ever. The fact is, you deal with these places because you have scammed everyone else in your downward spiral, and the rental places know how do deal with your deadbeat tactics. They are in business to make money, yet they deal with people that won't pay their bills and have the credit report to prove it. Face it, the only other people that will loan you anything will also break your legs for non-payment.

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#41 UPDATE EX-employee responds

Only Doing His Job

AUTHOR: Kevin - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, December 28, 2005

I am a former veteran of the rent to own indusrtry. Even though, I think that the rent to own business is one of the biggest rip offs ever, The terms are always up front. The "little man" was also just doing his job. Just as anyone else. A nurse goes to work to help the sick, a teacher goes to work to educate and the account manager ( aka the little man) is responsible for collecting on the rental accounts. He has a mouth or family to feed too. I once remember when I worked as an account manager, my mother said to me around Christmas time, " why don't you give these people a break, its Christmas" As much as I would love to I told her that if I did that I would be without a job and money for Christmas. What I am trying to say is that these folks are just doing their job. They are trying to collect the money that belongs to the company. Thats all. If you keep up with your bill, then no one will bother you.

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#40 UPDATE Employee

READ WHAT YOU SIGN!!!

AUTHOR: Brandon - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, November 08, 2005

this is not rocket science. Its all in the agreement. in every agreement is plainly states 1- what you are getting 2-the PRICE ( you know the one that everyone says we dont disclose!!) 3- everything that we will do for you, and 4 - that we expect on time payments or the promt return of the product. is this a hard concept? sometimes there is NO other way for people to purchase items. does it make sence to go to the laundry mat every week or rent a washer and dryer that you will someday own? now granted doe everyone NEED a 65" hdtv, no not really, but if your frige goes out what do you do.

as to anyone who doesnt return our merchandise do we as a company not offer each and every one "lifetime reinstatement". Yes we do all you have to do is return the item WILLINGLY and we are always more than happy to get it back to you. we would all like to not every have to pick up anything, but that doesnt happen. to all who rent from us please take the following advise 1- keep in contact 2- dont lie ( had some one tell me that his son died to get help, skipped town later saw him at a local with his son ) 3- do what you say you will ( if you say friday with $10 come in friday with $10. we all understand most of us have been in the same spot before.

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#39 Consumer Comment

Rent-A-Center and other rent-to-own places

AUTHOR: Sadie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, October 28, 2005

I read probably at least half of the replies to the original post, and everyone was really getting off-topic but one thing I found that nobody mentioned (that I saw) is DO NOT BE LATE ON YOUR PAYMENTS AND YOU WILL NOT BE HARRASSED! DUH!

I know it was WRONG of the "little man" to come and harrass you like that, but come ON! You are RENTING something. If you don't pay your rent on your house what happens? You get harrassed, and then you get kicked out!

If you can't afford to buy something straight-up, SAVE the money! Have you heard of that? It's not hard. I'm not trying to be a witch but come on guys. It's common sense. I'm TWENTY years old and I know this.

You aren't going to DIE if you don't have a TV or a VCR or a DVD player, are you? No! You can live without that leather couch-sectional, can't you? It's dumb to rent stuff, but if you're going to do it make sure you can make the payments. If you don't, they should call you every day to try and get their money. There are too many users out there and they shouldn't get away with renting things without paying for them.
Again, if you want something - SAVE for it. I've lived without a couch, a chair, without ANY furniture before. And we survived. We still had food and you know what we have everything we need, and most of what we want.

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#38 Consumer Suggestion

I used to work for RAC and....

AUTHOR: Eric - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Not only are acts common, they are often times encouraged by management. I was a credit I/O with several stores within Columbus, OH, and while RAC actually has a standing policy of not pursuing criminal action that results in jail time, there are means to have folks cooperate, but they have to be within the first month of the rental agreement, and clearly show an intention not to pay.

I have personally been involved in stores that have persisted in this type of behavior: blocking vehicles, banging on windows, yelling rather insulting things through screens, etc. We have even been encouraged to call child welfare in these cases (and I noticed that the children were just home from school, so I can't fault that). This is not the behavior encouraged by all management, mind you, but certainly by young or inexperienced store managers, mostly. There are legal processes that are much easier, like a bond of replevin, that avoid all of this.

The customer in question has no obligation to let RAC know her personal plans, vacations, etc. It is nice, but not mandatory. I would recommend that she give back the merchandise, call it a lesson learned, and completely avoid all rent-to-own in the future.

And it must be said, that I left the company on very good terms, have been asked to come back, but frankly the main reason that the employees act in this way is because "customer service starts at the top" and RAC treats its employees like garbage.

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#37 Consumer Suggestion

You should have Called the police

AUTHOR: Tom - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, October 17, 2005

Being a retired Law enforcement officer from the state of Missouri and having to deal with these people you should have called the police and had him arrested for trespassing on your property. In the state of Missouri if your late on your payment and people like Rental Center come to your property to repo the stuff. They have to file a petition to a judge to regain custody of there stuff. The order must be signed by a judge of the county and the court seal affixed and then you must be served by a law enforcement officer of that county. Then and only then with the law enforcement officer present can they repo there stuff. After taking several of Renta centers people to jail for trespassing in Cass County Renta Center started filing petitions against the parties to repo there stuff. To file a petition it cost them money for the paper work and they try there best to scare the consumer into giving them there stuff back instead of filing the petition. Now as far as other states I cannot advise on those states but i would check with the local police and sheriff and see what your rights are in that matter.

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#36 Consumer Comment

Ric - Palmdale, California

AUTHOR: Angela - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, August 13, 2005

It's people like you and R.A.C. customers who keep these RAC crooks in business.

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#35 Consumer Suggestion

my response

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 14, 2004

I understand fully that the children are not the subject but all these people are knockin her for leaving her children which in none of their business. Someone had to stick up for and I'm sure there are many people out there who will agree with me

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#34 Consumer Suggestion

my response

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 14, 2004

I understand fully that the children are not the subject but all these people are knockin her for leaving her children which in none of their business. Someone had to stick up for and I'm sure there are many people out there who will agree with me

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#33 Consumer Suggestion

my response

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 14, 2004

I understand fully that the children are not the subject but all these people are knockin her for leaving her children which in none of their business. Someone had to stick up for and I'm sure there are many people out there who will agree with me

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#32 Consumer Suggestion

my response

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 14, 2004

I understand fully that the children are not the subject but all these people are knockin her for leaving her children which in none of their business. Someone had to stick up for and I'm sure there are many people out there who will agree with me

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#31 Consumer Comment

two rights dont make a wrong

AUTHOR: Chas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, December 12, 2004

regardless of the age of her children or why they were alone is way off the subject. the facts remain that as a customer of any rent to own company it is the rentors responsibility to keep in contact with the rental company this helps to avoid harrassment i have rented to own from a competitor of RAC for almost 18 years and in that time i have had a few late pays and even returned one item. I always let them know what was happening and they worked with me to enable me to purchase 4 tvs, 3vcr's, a computer (the one i am using) and a camcorder (which was supposed to be a one day rental for the birth of my daughter). during this period i have never been harrassed by their sales people or collections dept. on the other hand the reason i will NOT rent from RAC my sister who has a comfrotable job has rented from them when she first got married and if she was a day late making the payment they were calling her constantly at home at work on her cell even after she had told them she would be in later that day they would keep calling. she finally had enough and told them to come get their bed set at which time they tried to get her to refinance it (she told them where to go). unfortunately during this time she was working for an attorney and when he found out what was going on he called the store and informed them that if they continued to harrass her he would sue them. as for putting people in jail different states have different laws usually the amount owed is barely enough to make it a petty theft and as the rent to own companys usually get a judgement for their items they cannot have you incarcerated and they know such claims are illegal so call the police they are there to protect you. in most cases they will take a report and if there is further contact from the rental center the store and employee can be charged with harassment if you ask them to quit contacting you they have to, then they can file with the courts, if they continue to harass you call the cops but keep records of who and when you talk to them. all of this is according to CO. laws they may be different where you live so contact a consumers rights group or your local DA's office for your rights and RESPONSIBILITES

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#30 Consumer Comment

Jail? It varies State to State

AUTHOR: Michelle - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, December 09, 2004

Sherri,
First of all, I would like to say that we may both be right about whether or not you can go to jail. The laws are different in our states. I know that when you rent a car and fail to return it, in Iowa, you do not go to jail instead they send someone like me to repossess it. Most of the time the rental Co. will have the customer's credit card number which may play as security.
(I work the papers for our Recovery business, I look for scum bags daily.)

In Iowa it is a civil matter.

And, if these companies had the option of putting customers in jail why would they waste all their time harrassing them and not just get right to filing the police report when the customer starts missing payments & avoiding phone calls.

I do think that she is wrong for what she is doing about her rental agreement with rent-a-center.
I think that she is one of those type of people that will come up with every excuse possible as to how they are being ripped off or victimized when money is due to someone else. Most often, they have received the merchandise in advance. A lot of the people on this site that are talking about rent-a-center victimizing them or ripping them off have missed payments and are mad that they have to give up their laptops or furniture so they'll look for any way that they can put rent-a-center out to be the bad guys and hold on to their stuff longer while justifying to themselves that they are the real victim here and they don't need to answer the door when RAC comes knockin.
I think that I learned this in college and that this type of thinking is called creative thinking and would work real well if used in more positive ways. Example: Find ways to become a better comsumer and stop cheating yourself & others around you.
Finally, I don not like RAC and would never do any business with them.
Excuse any spelling errors-typing fast

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#29 Consumer Comment

the womans children

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 07, 2004

as far as the woman leaving her children alone she never said their ages fourteen is still young but old enough to be left home alone some single parents have no other choices but to leave their kids alone even at a younger age not everyone is as fortunate as you or the one who commented against her leaving her kids WATCH MONTEL WILLIAM he had a show in it the other day. SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO CHOICE IF YOU GOT SUCH A PROBLEM WITH IT THEN YOU BABYSIT FOR HER FOR FREE!!!!!

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#28 UPDATE Employee

Your Choice!

AUTHOR: Joe - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, November 24, 2004

I am an employee at what many of you seem to consider an Evil Empire, or so it would seem. Nobody is forcing anyone to rent these items....people are made fully aware of the price multiple times during the rental process.If your in over your head, or you realize, yes, this is far too much money, then return the item! It is not yours until you pay for it.Many of you complain about the prices of this merchandise, and I agree, they are very high.I will sympathize with customers on this, and do my best to work with them. You have to realize, some people outweigh their needs with wants.I have been in countless houses,where there is a 64" TV, and furniture thats barely holding together, but you know what? ITS THEIR CHOICE.I would also like to comment that, while "Little Man " was way out of line, and I do not condone it in the least, you were out of line for not returning Their Property.

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#27 Consumer Suggestion

Constructive Advice

AUTHOR: Joe - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, November 18, 2004

In response to the comment about sueing RAC only to sit outside and divert customers:
It's hard to decided where to start telling you what's wrong with your post. The most obvious one to me is, your sorry misdirecton of energy.

If you(or anyone else) are really concerned about people wasting money at RAC, Picket the store. It's legal, and free. I suggest a sign saying "RAC pillages our neighborhood" and/or "Cant afford a tv, then why not pay twice as much!!", or better yet "one tv for the price of 2!!". I'm sure you could all come up with something more catchy. I would bet there are public service organizations that would even give you information flyers to hand out to people, at no cost to you, that explain what how renting works, and why it isn't a good deal.

If you are considering renting something from RAC or any other 'rental' store:

DO NOT DO IT.
Period.

Sure they make it sound like you can afford to have something that you can't afford to buy, but if you break out a calculator and figure out how much you going to pay over the next year, you could probably buy it twice. That's 100% interest to compare to credit card terms. 10-15% is standard credit card interest. Thats no fair, it's robbery. Does it really make sense to pay them twice as much? And give them an excuse to bother and harass you if you miss a payment? just so you can have it right now?

NO!!!
(just in case you were still thinking about it)

A much better alternative is shopping for second-hand things. Instead of paying twice, you will probably pay half, or less. Think of all the extra money, and free time (from not getting annoying phone calls and house visits) you will have.

There are lots of great places to find secondhand things. Newspaper classifieds, webpages(craigslist), swapmeets, garage sales, thrift stores, missions (sometimes sell donated items for revenue), even trash on rare occasions.

I think most people just don't understand what a trap it is in the first place. These companies don't care at all if you can afford it or not, they just want your money. When you stop paying, they want to charge someone else through the nose for that stuff.

For anybody that has items that they are behind on, I suggest you call the store, and tell them you decided it wasn't worth the cost, and ask them to come pick it up at a time that is convenient for you. Have a friend there as a witness. If they are harassing or rude, inform them you would like to have a law enforcement officer there for your protection. If you are willing returning the stuff, the police will be on your side, and make sure no rouge 'loan sharks' try to get even by damaging your place while they load it up.

The bottom line is rentals is a shady business, that is used to dealing with shady customers, (Not that everyone of either is.) The easiest solution, is not to do business with them in the first place. Save your money.

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#26 Consumer Comment

Get Back on tarck

AUTHOR: Tia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, November 13, 2004

People, what does leaving her children alone have to do with being harrassed. She stated they were waiting for the babysitter. She did not give their ages. I am a teacher and know students are allowed to be home alone starting at a certain age and time limit. Your comments about arresting her are harrassing. Stick with the subject. Don't get angry because she voiced her views of RENT a CEnter.

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#25 Consumer Comment

Get Back on tarck

AUTHOR: Tia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, November 13, 2004

People, what does leaving her children alone have to do with being harrassed. She stated they were waiting for the babysitter. She did not give their ages. I am a teacher and know students are allowed to be home alone starting at a certain age and time limit. Your comments about arresting her are harrassing. Stick with the subject. Don't get angry because she voiced her views of RENT a CEnter.

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#24 Consumer Comment

Get Back on tarck

AUTHOR: Tia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, November 13, 2004

People, what does leaving her children alone have to do with being harrassed. She stated they were waiting for the babysitter. She did not give their ages. I am a teacher and know students are allowed to be home alone starting at a certain age and time limit. Your comments about arresting her are harrassing. Stick with the subject. Don't get angry because she voiced her views of RENT a CEnter.

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#23 Consumer Comment

Get Back on tarck

AUTHOR: Tia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, November 13, 2004

People, what does leaving her children alone have to do with being harrassed. She stated they were waiting for the babysitter. She did not give their ages. I am a teacher and know students are allowed to be home alone starting at a certain age and time limit. Your comments about arresting her are harrassing. Stick with the subject. Don't get angry because she voiced her views of RENT a CEnter.

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#22 Consumer Comment

R.A.C Questions

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, November 13, 2004

I have been a customer of Rent A Center since March 0f 2004. I rented an IBM G40 Series Thinkpad from them. At the time I rented it I was in the process of moving,and needed a Laptop to get all of my business email. Now beingsomeone one with a Legal Background, it is common knowledge that you cannot pay more than 3 times an items worth or a certain percentage over, the MSRP on the item that the company paid for. The Sales man expalined to me that hte 90 days same as cash price would be around 2000.00, or if I didn't do 90 days same as cash that once I reached that value I would own the laptop. I asked to see the actual cash value of the laptop and he stated that they didn't have that information, nor was allowed to disclose it. I said well I won't be renting from you for too long then. Make a long story short I recently found out my Laptop direct from IBM, with the same features is only priced at $899.00. I have paid $1650 into this computer to date. They are telling me that in order to own the computer I would have to pay $4178.74. I have held off on one paying it and am a week behind b/c I am having an attorney look at this for me. The man i spoke with during the week told me they had the contract with the figures circled. I got home and pulled out my contract which is the original...and I never signed it!!!!! But somehow they have a signed copy at the store, which isn't my signature. Anyone have any suggestions?

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#21 UPDATE EX-employee responds

2 Sides To Every Story

AUTHOR: Ric - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, November 12, 2004

First I would like to inform all renters out there you do have the choice of returning the merchandise back. I am an ex-employee of R-A-C and was priveleged to have managed 4 different branches for them. From the better areas of Pasadena, to the "jungles" in Inglewood. First, as I trained all my EE. to do, explaining what a rental agreement is will resolve most issues the customer may have with the rental co. In most cases rental companies are willing to work with their customer base. Lets face it customers are renting for a reason. This is not to say that all the renters we have are impovershed. In actuality some of the renters I had were well to do business people.

To the renters that have had bad expriences, R-A-C has a customer care line they can call to complain. However you must also be aware that who would want to help someone that is telling a lie most of the time. To answer at some of these respondents, in some states you can go to jail if you do not return rental merchandise. Why can't Acct. Mgr. collect on property that belongs to their co. as do repo guys do with cars.

I realized that in the more liberal states it has become harder to collect than in others. But don't think that I haven't put someone in jail for not returning merch. that doesn't belong to them. It's a long tedious ordeal but it can be done. Also renters be aware of the re-instatement part of the agreement. Food for thought for you honest renters out there!

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#20 Consumer Comment

My recent Experience and letter to Rent-a Center

AUTHOR: Andrea - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, November 09, 2004

PLEASE FORWARD TO UPPER MANAGEMENT:

On November 6, I recieved a visit from account manager Dana. I wasn't home at the time, but my brother Matthew answered the door. After questioning Matthew for a few minutes about my where abouts, he indicated to Dana that he would have her call them and proceeded to close the door. Dana, in a very physical way, attempted to pry open the door and let himself in. Matthew stopped him and indicated to him to step away. He also advised Dana again that I was not home and he just cannot come in uninvited to my home because I owe a payment. He indicated to Dana that he is not a member of Law Enforcement with probable cause. Dana retreated. A few minutes later Matthew recieved a phone call from Eric, the store manager. Without an introduction Eric began yelling at Matthew in a very unprofessional manner including profanities. He then questioned are you the man who put your hands on my employee? Matt began to explain to him that his employee attempted to force his way into the door only to be interupted by Eric inviting Matt up to the store for an anticipated physical confrontation. Eric then began a list of things he would do!Matt, very angry and upset by Eric's threats, invited Eric down with his staff for the same thing. Matt advised Eric that he recorded everything he said and hung up the phone. Already being advised several times that I was not home, Matt noticed two Rent-A-Center trucks stalking the area. Matt became very frightened by this sight, because of the conversation, with threats, that he had just had with Eric. Another knock came at the door. Matt ignored the knock and advised my sixteen year old sister to ignore it as well. Needless to say, she answered the door against his advice. A new account manager began to question her. When Matt noticed this he went to the door and told her to back away. He advised that I was not home, closing the door in their face. Well, they decided to monitor the area for a while longer. A state police officer knocked at our door and asked Matt what has happened. Matt explained and the officer advised him to not answer the door. Basically telling him he did the right thing by not letting the man enter the premisis. Matter resolved for now! On November 8, my fiance recieved a call from an Account Manager who did not identify himself. After he indicated that I was not home, the man became very angry with him. He stated he is not going to let some high school punk tell him not to call his house. My fiance', who is far from being a high shool student, responded several times that I am not home. His comments to my fiance' were that he was going to rip his head off! My fiance advised him that he was being recorded and advised that corporate is going to hear from me. The account manager hung up the phone very quickly. I am very upset with the way these THUGS you call Account Manager harassed my family for a matter they have with me. I have already had an appointment with my lawyer. He suggested that I file criminal charges for harassment by communication and terroristic threats. I would like to see what you as a company are going to do about these thugs. When I signed for a TV, I never thought I would be followed by a loan shark threatening my family's safety of I did not pay up. I will also be forwarding a copy of this letter to every consumer reporting website I can find, if this matter is not taken care of in a timely manner.

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#19 Consumer Comment

Theft is theft is theft

AUTHOR: Sherri - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, November 08, 2004

But again, someone in a rental situation does NOT have the same consumer protection as someone in a retail installment agreement. The person cannot be arrested for not paying; they CAN be arrested for theft by conversion if they don't pay for the items and refuse to return it upon request. They are not BUYING the merchandise on a retail installment agreement; they are RENTING the merchandise with RENTAL payments being applied towards purchase. Semantics? Maybe. But it is because RAC and other rental companies don't run credit checks that they have to have the extra security in the RENTAL AGREEMENT.

I would like to see the original poster rent a car for a week, stop paying for it, keep the car and see what happens. Theft is theft is theft, whether you steal from Avis or Rent-a-Center.

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#18 Consumer Comment

it is against the law for rent a center to harass you

AUTHOR: SEAN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, November 08, 2004

Violations as follows:
Defamation of character
Invasion of privacy and unfair debt collection practice (up to 5 calls per day)
Threats or Coercion Oppression & Abuse.
Unreasonable Publication.
Fraudulent-Deceptive or Misleading Representation. Threaten to have me arrested. Under the FDCPA consumers are protected from abuse of this nature. This is an except from the rtoonline website: No No's when contacting customers

The Act considers the following to be harassment or abuse...

The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means
The use of obscene or profane language
Calling before 8am or after 9pm
Calling a customers employer if it is reasonable to assume the employer prohibits such calls
Causing a telephone to ring or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass
The following are considered false and misleading...

The false representation or implication that the debt collector is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States or any State, including the use of any badge, uniform, or facsimile thereof
The representation or implication that nonpayment of any debt will result in the arrest or imprisonment
The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken
The use or distribution of any written communication which simulates or is falsely represented to be a document authorized, issued, or approved by any court, official, or agency of the United States or any State, or which creates a false impression as to its source, authorization, or approval Each penelty carries a maximum fine of up to $1000.00. Now for all of you rac employees, you screwed with the wrong person and now everyone will know this. you can file complaints with your states attorney general AND the United States Federal Trade Commission

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#17 Consumer Suggestion

BAD ADVICE FROM JIM..

AUTHOR: Sherri - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 31, 2004

Jim can say that RentaCenter "can't" criminally prosecute for failure to return rental merchandise, but that is very, very incorrect, as a former neighbor of mine will attest to, being prosecuted in San Francisco, California, got 90 days in county jail,3 years supervised probation and a fine. Yes, he still had the property, but had a felony record to go with it.

A RENTAL (keyword here)agreement does NOT give you the same rights as a retail agreement, even though many retail agreements also state that the merchant has a security interest in the property until paid.

Sometimes people are lawfully in possession of property for a specified use, but if he instead converts the property for his own use in violation of the agreement, it is called theft by conversion.

Punishment: Theft crimes except shoplifting are punished as a misdemeanor if property value is less than $500 (with exceptions). If the value of the items is more than $500, then 1 to 10 years in prison is the punishment. This, of course, varies from state-to-state, with some states requiring LESS than $500 in value to be classified as a felony.

Do I agree with the tactics this particular store manager used? No, not at all. But I don't get why some people think that they are "entitled" to keep merchandise they aren't paying for. It is that attitude that gets you bad credit and inability to buy things under a retail installment agreement.

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#16 Consumer Comment

you guys are the biggest crooks in town

AUTHOR: Jim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 31, 2004

i hate you rent a center i called to buy a ps2 on payments and with the price i would have to pay in 2 months i could buy a brand new one.
i might rip you guys off just to get back at you for all the people you have wronged over the years.

you are taking advantage of poor people by charging 3 times what things are worth.
and you CAN NOT saend someone to jail for not making payments.

i dont care how much you want to say "yes we can" anyone with a brain knows that thats just a scare tactic you guys use to recover things.

also you have no right to ever enter a persons property just the fact that you lie by saying things like "we can have you put in jail" should be agianst the law in fact i think it is i hope more people rip you guys off (not saying she was trying to) the only good thing is most people know better than to buy things from a rent to own type place

oh yeah whats this about the guy could get fired if he didnt collect the property? that is agianst the law i just might get a job working for you guys or get one of my buddies to and if you fire me/him/them i can tell you right now you will get sued for so much $$$ that your going to have to charge 20 times the price of what things are worth or close down.

you think im joking just wait i have 3 family members that are attorneys and i will be comming for you either as a potential employee or to buy some things and if you guys so much as step outside the law your @$$ is mine i have video camers and pocket/phone tape recorders and they can be used in court if i have signs or verbal statments saying that your people are being recorded

oh by the way this has nothing to do with money
if i win a case agianst you i will sit out side your stores and when people go in there to buy things i will use the money i win from you in corut to buy these people brand new stuff at some other store so that you wont make a sale and i will keep doing this untill i cost you guys enough money that rent a center has to close down every store in my town


think im joking??? well i hope you can see by the lenght of my reply that i have nothing better to do

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#15 Consumer Comment

you guys are the biggest crooks in town

AUTHOR: Jim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 31, 2004

i hate you rent a center i called to buy a ps2 on payments and with the price i would have to pay in 2 months i could buy a brand new one.
i might rip you guys off just to get back at you for all the people you have wronged over the years.

you are taking advantage of poor people by charging 3 times what things are worth.
and you CAN NOT saend someone to jail for not making payments.

i dont care how much you want to say "yes we can" anyone with a brain knows that thats just a scare tactic you guys use to recover things.

also you have no right to ever enter a persons property just the fact that you lie by saying things like "we can have you put in jail" should be agianst the law in fact i think it is i hope more people rip you guys off (not saying she was trying to) the only good thing is most people know better than to buy things from a rent to own type place

oh yeah whats this about the guy could get fired if he didnt collect the property? that is agianst the law i just might get a job working for you guys or get one of my buddies to and if you fire me/him/them i can tell you right now you will get sued for so much $$$ that your going to have to charge 20 times the price of what things are worth or close down.

you think im joking just wait i have 3 family members that are attorneys and i will be comming for you either as a potential employee or to buy some things and if you guys so much as step outside the law your @$$ is mine i have video camers and pocket/phone tape recorders and they can be used in court if i have signs or verbal statments saying that your people are being recorded

oh by the way this has nothing to do with money
if i win a case agianst you i will sit out side your stores and when people go in there to buy things i will use the money i win from you in corut to buy these people brand new stuff at some other store so that you wont make a sale and i will keep doing this untill i cost you guys enough money that rent a center has to close down every store in my town


think im joking??? well i hope you can see by the lenght of my reply that i have nothing better to do

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#14 Consumer Comment

you guys are the biggest crooks in town

AUTHOR: Jim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 31, 2004

i hate you rent a center i called to buy a ps2 on payments and with the price i would have to pay in 2 months i could buy a brand new one.
i might rip you guys off just to get back at you for all the people you have wronged over the years.

you are taking advantage of poor people by charging 3 times what things are worth.
and you CAN NOT saend someone to jail for not making payments.

i dont care how much you want to say "yes we can" anyone with a brain knows that thats just a scare tactic you guys use to recover things.

also you have no right to ever enter a persons property just the fact that you lie by saying things like "we can have you put in jail" should be agianst the law in fact i think it is i hope more people rip you guys off (not saying she was trying to) the only good thing is most people know better than to buy things from a rent to own type place

oh yeah whats this about the guy could get fired if he didnt collect the property? that is agianst the law i just might get a job working for you guys or get one of my buddies to and if you fire me/him/them i can tell you right now you will get sued for so much $$$ that your going to have to charge 20 times the price of what things are worth or close down.

you think im joking just wait i have 3 family members that are attorneys and i will be comming for you either as a potential employee or to buy some things and if you guys so much as step outside the law your @$$ is mine i have video camers and pocket/phone tape recorders and they can be used in court if i have signs or verbal statments saying that your people are being recorded

oh by the way this has nothing to do with money
if i win a case agianst you i will sit out side your stores and when people go in there to buy things i will use the money i win from you in corut to buy these people brand new stuff at some other store so that you wont make a sale and i will keep doing this untill i cost you guys enough money that rent a center has to close down every store in my town


think im joking??? well i hope you can see by the lenght of my reply that i have nothing better to do

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#13 Consumer Comment

Owing what it due

AUTHOR: Mara - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, September 30, 2004

I have been a customer of this company before and have even been late a few times. They are obliging to help if you are willing to be helpful and are honest about it. They do not harass honest people who do what they say they are going to do.

I personally know the person whom she refers to "little man" and I am appalled that she has the audacity to sideline her delinquent payment history to attack some one else. They can send you to jail. If you do not pay your bills, you will be getting this type of treatment.

People steal from these establishments all the time, so this company has a policy to follow to protect them. 1)You should not have left your children home alone so they could have been "scared" of him; 2)They tell you what payment options are accepted; 3)It seems that these visits were numerous, so if it hadn't been resolved with one, then obviously something was not being done right.

So either you should have returned the property or paid in full. It is wrong to point your finger at someone else, when you are the one who is doing wrong. They do have a right to send you to jail for not paying. It is not a civil matter. The property is not yours until paid. It would be like walking out with a t.v. from Circuit City and only giving them 10% of what the price is.

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#12 UPDATE Employee

Jail??? I find all of these comments off the main subject

AUTHOR: Bill - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, September 05, 2004

Being a emplyee of Rent-A-Center, I find all of these comments off the main subject. Some try to avoid the subject totally by accusing the (CUSTOMER) of child neglect.

Then we go off on the debate of jails and civil suits.

Now number one She the customer stated she had contacted the Manager and had arranged for catch up payments,From that moment forward she should have not been called,or visited by anyone with the Local Rent-A-Center.unless the agreement time had passed. which from the sound of it, It had not.Now for you wanna be lawyers no matter which way you look at it,When "little man" shows up it is harassment.

That is against company policy no ands if's or butts about it. Yes they do put pressure on us to collect debts that are owed,But we do have percentages to work within,That is where the employee should concentrate on working.
Having said that I find GREAT OFFENSE at you people talking down towards my or any customer because of their financial situations or whatever the situations they are in.

I myself do not have great credit rating and I did not self induce the situation But that does not make me less human than anyone.

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#11 Consumer Comment

OWNERSHIP

AUTHOR: EVA - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, August 22, 2004

I HAVE BEEN WITH THIS COMANY SENCE 2001 MY HUSBAND AND NEVER HAVE I OR MY HUSBAND HAVE HAD SO MUCH HASS FROM THIS STORE IN THE AUGUSTA AREA OF GORDON HWY.

THE EMPLOYEE THERE IN THAT STORE ACT LIKE THE BUSNIESS BE LONG TO THEM.

NOW TTTTTTTHINGS HAVE BEEN VERY MUCH SLOW FOR ME AND MY HUSBAND BECAUSE WE WORK FOR OUR SELFS.

THE MONEY IS SLOW RIGHT NOW. WE ARE TWO WEEKS BEHIND RIGHT NOW.

BUT WE ARE TRYING TO CATCH UP .BUT THEY WONT LET US COME IN TO THE STORE TO PAY OFF SOME OF OUR ITEMS .

BECAUSE WE DONT WANT TO LOSE OUR FURNITURE.THESE NEW EMPLOYEE IN THERE ARE A HASS TO THE PEOPLE THAT COME IN THERE.

WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ON TIME WITH OUR PAYMENTS AND NOW THAT TIMES HAVE GOTTEN HARD.

WE HAVE PAID OFF ALOT OF THINGS FROM THAT STORE WHEN THE OLD EMPLOYEE WERE THERE AND I WISH THEY WERE STILL THERE.JOHN WAS ONE OF THEM THE OTHER EMPLOYEE.

THIS NEW GROUP NEED A LESSION IN SELL AND KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE.WE ARE PLATIUM CARD HOLDERS AND NONE OF THAT MEANS ANTHING TO US BECAUSE WE CANT GET A CHANCE.

LIKE I SAID WE WOULD LIKE TO PAY OFF SOME OF OUR ITEMS.

WE ARE ACOUPLE OF WEEKS BEHIND.AND I DONT LIKE YOUR NEW EMPLOYEE AT ALL I WISH YOU WOULD HAVE KEPT JOHN AND THE OTHERS THANK YOU VERY MUCH

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#10 Consumer Comment

ACTUALLY, SOMEONE CAN GO TO JAIL...

AUTHOR: Sherri - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, August 19, 2004

Failure to return rental merchandise is called "theft by conversion" and can be a felony offense, depending on the value of the merchandise. In addition, the person converting the property can be subject to civil penalties as well.

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#9 Consumer Suggestion

Rent-A-Center Out of Line!!!!!!!

AUTHOR: MICHELLE - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, August 19, 2004

First of all Rent-A-Center does not have the right to be peeking in your windows and harrassing you beyond reasonable attempts to contact you.
Second, there is nothing criminal about you not returning the merchandise upon their request and you CANNOT GO TO JAIL. Unless you showed no intent on ever paying them, for example using a bad check for you first payment and then leaving town.
It is strictly a civil matter, and the most that they can do is take you to court to demand return of their property, If they cannot get return of their property they will then sue you for the actual value of the property, not all the payment added up.
The reason that you pay 50.00 per week for 2 years for a DVD player is because of people like you.
Rent-A-Center gets away with the way that they act and harrass people is because they mostly rent to poor people with bad credit who are willing to pay $1500.00 for a VCR. Ignorance.
But again they have to be aggressive and on top of things because them weekly payment add up and they have been screwed a lot.
You make the call, do you want a judgment for replivin on your record.

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#8 UPDATE Employee

Its our job... a lot of pressure to resolve past due accounts

AUTHOR: Trent - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004

I am an account manager that works for Rent A Center, and its my job to do exactly what you described done to you. Rent A Center puts us under a lot of pressure to resolve past due accounts, and won't hesistate to threaten our jobs if we do not aggressively pursue people who haven't made a payment on time. The reason that "little man" was banging on your windows most likely had to do with the fact that his continued employment depends on you making your payment or him returning the merchandise to the store.

Did you notify rent a center that you would be leaving town? Had you done so, I doubt it would have been as big an issue as it turned into. You consider this harrasment, but as far as I know, we are perfectly within our legal rights to do exactly what he did. Maybe you should try to understand that this man was just trying to keep his job, and next time you won't be able to pay your bills on time, you should let the company know. And by the way, when you fail to pay your renewal payment, the property no longer belongs to you. Read the paperwork you signed. Its all there.

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#7 Consumer Comment

I didn't realize that children had been left home alone

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, December 10, 2003

When I first responded, I didn't realize that children had been left home alone. That's terrible, and reflects on Kim's character. But it still doesn't give the "little man" the right to abuse her over some furniture.

If she was telling the truth about having reached a payment agreement with the store manager, she had every right to keep the merchandise and tell the "little man" to get lost. Perhaps the "little man" threatened to call the police because he thought Kim was the type that wouldn't want the police arround for other reasons. Places like Rent-a-Center like such people as customers because it is easy to illegally coerce them.

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#6 Consumer Comment

THIS WOMAN SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS !!!

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 09, 2003

Not only did this woman attempt to scam the company out of furniture that she never intended to pay for, but she also routinely (it seems) leaves her young children in the home while she is out of town, with no adult supervision! This woman needs to be behind bars!! We have way too many scam-artists and child abusers in this world, we do not need another one on the loose!

As for "little man," I hope he called the police and alerted them to the fact that there were young, innocent children in danger due to the fact that their mother abandoned them and left them in the house unsupervised.

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#5 Consumer Comment

You should have returned the rental items.

AUTHOR: Sara - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 08, 2003

They do not need to give you prior notice in order to reclaim their property. You knew you were late, yet didn't make the payments for 3 weeks, or return the rental. They were looking in the windows to see if you had moved without paying them off.

They could have filed theft charges, and should have. It sounds like they parked the truck in the driveway to claim the item, not to block you. You could have given them the money right then and there, and you would have been able to continue renting the item.

I know this because my husband has rented from them before, and also was irresponsible in paying on time. When they came after 3 weeks, and I found out that the payment was late, I was able to pay the past due amount, and keep the rental.

I'm more concerned about the fact that you were out of town with the children home alone.

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#4 Consumer Comment

You should have returned the rental items.

AUTHOR: Sara - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 08, 2003

They do not need to give you prior notice in order to reclaim their property. You knew you were late, yet didn't make the payments for 3 weeks, or return the rental. They were looking in the windows to see if you had moved without paying them off.

They could have filed theft charges, and should have. It sounds like they parked the truck in the driveway to claim the item, not to block you. You could have given them the money right then and there, and you would have been able to continue renting the item.

I know this because my husband has rented from them before, and also was irresponsible in paying on time. When they came after 3 weeks, and I found out that the payment was late, I was able to pay the past due amount, and keep the rental.

I'm more concerned about the fact that you were out of town with the children home alone.

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#3 Consumer Comment

You should have returned the rental items.

AUTHOR: Sara - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 08, 2003

They do not need to give you prior notice in order to reclaim their property. You knew you were late, yet didn't make the payments for 3 weeks, or return the rental. They were looking in the windows to see if you had moved without paying them off.

They could have filed theft charges, and should have. It sounds like they parked the truck in the driveway to claim the item, not to block you. You could have given them the money right then and there, and you would have been able to continue renting the item.

I know this because my husband has rented from them before, and also was irresponsible in paying on time. When they came after 3 weeks, and I found out that the payment was late, I was able to pay the past due amount, and keep the rental.

I'm more concerned about the fact that you were out of town with the children home alone.

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#2 Consumer Comment

You should have returned the rental items.

AUTHOR: Sara - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 08, 2003

They do not need to give you prior notice in order to reclaim their property. You knew you were late, yet didn't make the payments for 3 weeks, or return the rental. They were looking in the windows to see if you had moved without paying them off.

They could have filed theft charges, and should have. It sounds like they parked the truck in the driveway to claim the item, not to block you. You could have given them the money right then and there, and you would have been able to continue renting the item.

I know this because my husband has rented from them before, and also was irresponsible in paying on time. When they came after 3 weeks, and I found out that the payment was late, I was able to pay the past due amount, and keep the rental.

I'm more concerned about the fact that you were out of town with the children home alone.

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#1 Consumer Suggestion

You should have called the police.

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, December 07, 2003

If the police were going to help him force you to give the merchandise back, he would have already called them. Whenever someone makes threats like he did, he's bluffing. Having the police there would have been in your favor. Banging on the windows, blocking the driveway, and arguing with the customer are considered "disturbing the peace," which is not allowed in a repo situation.

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