Consumer complaint received 2024-10-27 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: King of Credit Financial, Inc
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Complaint Regarding Unfair Billing Practices by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX Dear Sir/Madam, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a dispute with XXXXXXXX XXXX  subsidiary, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and their partner, XXXX. I believe these companies have engaged in unfair billing practices that violate consumer protection standards by charging toll service fees and administrative costs that are not clearly disclosed to the customer. Despite my efforts to resolve this matter directly, I have encountered multiple barriers, including premature payment of the disputed charge by my credit card company without proper investigation or communication. I am currently re-opening the dispute with my credit card company. 

Background of the Complaint On XX/XX/XXXX, my wife and I rented a vehicle from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX At no time were we informed about the optional XXXX All-Inclusive toll program or given a choice to accept or decline the service. If this information is contained in the rental agreement, it is buried in the fine print. It is unreasonable to expect customers to comb through legal jargon for such critical information. Upon entering the vehicle, the XXXX XXXX was already activated, which led us to reasonably believe that toll coverage was included in the rental. 
When my wife and I returned home, I was charged {$130.00} for the XXXX service without prior notification or authorization. This charge covered every day of the rental, even though we only incurred tolls on a few occasions. I later learned that the companys toll fee practices have been the subject of multiple consumer complaints and even a class-action lawsuit filed in XXXX, which alleged similar deceptive practices by XXXX 

Attempts at Resolution When I contacted XXXX, they acknowledged that the transponder was activated in error but still insisted on charging administrative fees, offering only a 50 % reduction as a courtesy. I declined this partial settlement and requested that all administrative fees be waived. 

Unfortunately, in the middle of my efforts to resolve the dispute directly, my bank issued the full payment of {$130.00} to XXXX via my XXXX XXXX card, despite my ongoing discussions with the rental company. The bank had assured me that they would investigate the claim and keep me informed, but they completed the payment without notice or feedback, complicating my efforts to negotiate a fair resolution. I have since re-opened my dispute with the bank, but they have already issued payment to XXXX. 

Why I Believe This is Unfair and Deceptive I contend that XXXX XXXX XXXX practices are deceptive and predatory, relying on consumers ' lack of knowledge about toll services and deliberately failing to provide clear disclosure at the rental counter. Their reliance on pre-activated transponders traps customers into paying undisclosed fees. Even if such fees are buried in the fine print of lengthy rental agreements, this practice violates principles of transparency and informed consent. 

Requested Action I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigate XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX for their unfair billing practices. I also ask that my credit card company, XXXX XXXX, be required to re-open my dispute and conduct a proper investigation. I am willing to pay the actual tolls incurred during the rental, provided that I receive an itemized statement for verification. However, I strongly object to any administrative or convenience fees tied to this service, as these were never disclosed to me in a fair or transparent manner. 
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Please let me know if any further information or documentation is needed. I am happy to provide a copy of the rental agreement, my email communication with XXXX, and more in-depth details of The XXXX XXXX and XXXX settlement on the aforementioned class action suit. Despite prior legal consequences, these companies appear to be continuing this deceptive practice. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation