Consumer complaint received 2015-10-06
Company: Media Collections, Inc
State: FL
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not mine

Complaint:
XX/XX/XXXX, I rented a truck and a trailer to haul my XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX for my move XXXX. The truck provided was hitched and secured by a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX employee. XX/XX/XXXX I began my drive. Approximately 12 hours into my trip around XXXX XXXX after crossing XXXX, we notice flames shouting out from the trailer carrying my vehicle. We immediately pulled over to the side of the road and called XXXX. Thankfully the fire department XXXX responded quickly and put out the fire before my vehicle went up in flames. 

The XXXX XXXX, filled out some paperwork, and then contacted XXXX XXXX XXXX Hotline, to aid us in getting the trailer replaced so we can continue on with my relocation. The XXXX XXXX with us for an hour but was then called on another emergency, and regrettable had to go. We then contacted XXXX with the number the XXXX XXXX gave us, and was told that someone was on their way to replace the trailer and they would be another hour. The person that arrived had us remove the vehicle off the smoking trailer at XXXX on an extremely busy highway ; he told us that it was not his job. This whole situation was EXTREMELY UNSAFE. We asked about the replacement trailer and I was told ; he was only to pick up the trailer. 

After the trailer was towed away we were stranded on the side of the road. I again spoke with XXXX which suggested that I rent a hotel, and they would reimburse us for it XXXX they never did XXXX, and call them in the morning to get the address of the nearest XXXX Store ; they would reserve a new trailer. We took their advice and rented a room XXXX. We contacted XXXX the next morning and were told to go to a location to pick up another trailer. 

At that time we also made them aware the truck would only go approximately 50 mph. When we arrived at the location we were told that they did not have the right trailer for us. The person behind the desk started calling XXXX asking why they sent us there when they did not have that type of trailer available. He got no answers just the run around. I then called several XXXX XXXX # XXXX only to be told they ca n't assist me, transferred me to another department or gave me telephone numbers that would just ring and ring and ring. 

This went on for 7 hours. Finally, about XXXX after not getting any help from XXXX, we gave up, and decided to start driving my vehicle XXXX since we were now so far behind schedule. At about XXXX I received a call from a Manager telling me " well you know things happen in life ''. He then stated that his records showed that I was using my car to pull the trailer and that I was not driving a XXXX truck which was untrue. I informed him that I would call him to resolve this issue once I reached my destination. 

Once I reached XXXX, I again made several attempts to contact XXXX to resolve this situation. No one I spoke with seemed to care at all about the situation. They had no sense of urgency and never called me back or tried to resolve the issue. In fact I was HUNG UP on several times. Therefore, I disputed my rental charges with XXXX XXXX. 

The whole trip ended up costing me so much time and money we had to rent hotel rooms, wear and tear on my personal vehicle, plus the extra gas expense etc. This trip was insanely stressful and unsafe. This company really needs to be held accountable for their faulty and dangerous equipment before someone gets killed or seriously injured. 

Like everyone else on the Consumers Affairs website, I wish I had the common sense to read the reviews on this company before I rented my truck and trailer with Budget Rental. The XXXX complaints are all similar to what happened with me. Attached please find just SOME of the consumer complaints & reviews

Company public response: Company chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief