Overland West, Inc. dba Hertz Rent A Car Fraudulent damage claim Ogden Utah

Rented a car from Hertz Rent A Car (Overland West, Inc. a franchisee) in Bismarck, ND on Julu 29, 2002. On July 31, while @ 25 miles from returning vehicle and just after putting $24.75 worth of gasolone in tank (I have a dated w/ time receipt from gas station), there was a mechanical failure of some type and the car ran out of gas. I called Hertz, they sent someone to get me and tow the car. Now they are charging me for "damage" to the vehicle to the tune of $279.21 - for their car's mechanical damage.

I have contacted them numerous times, but they still want to charge me with "damages" to their vehicle! Even the renta receipt I received from them shows the tank had 1/8 of a tank when I returned it!

I have asked Hertz Corporation to get involved in this - since they licensed the franchisee (Overland West) but to date - after 3 complaints, they refuse to do so.

Tonight, I filed a claim with the BBB of North Dakota, but since these folks (Hertz or Overland West) do not seem to be a member, I doubt it will go very far. Next Monday it looks as if I will have to file in small claims court, to get these people to come to their senses.

Greg
DFW Area, Texas