AVIS BUDGET CAR RENTAL ROBS INNOCENT CLIENTS

I COLLECTED a car in pouring rain & none of Avis staff accompanied me to the car. I was assured that all the defects on the car was on their system. It was pouring with rain when I came outside. I looked around for someone to assist me and do the inspection but nobody was around. I tried to see if there are any defects that are visible... But could hardly see any because it was raining and the car was covered with rain drops. I trusted that all defects were listed as the lady who handed me the car assured me they were. I had no reason to doubt that. - because it was pouring down (raining) so hard I tried to look as best I could. Everyone knows that you won't pick up much if it rains because of the water on the car. When I returned the car 2 days later they now picked up a defect on the car (black plastic bumper in front having a small scratch mark) and now they are trying to pin on me - accusing me of being a **** and instructing me to pay a full R7000 for damages! 😲 This now for a small scratch on the front grill of this car. I was totally shocked to say the least. I signed a statement to say that I did not cause any damages to the car. Avis refused to listen to anything I say. They did their "investigation" which I am sure they did not because the next day they just sent me an email to say it is my bill and a few days later telling me to pay R7000 for damages! I told them they can bring this before a judge in court and let the judge decide on this - but I did not cause any damages to that car. Whatever damages there are were there when I collected the car. This is the LAST time I use AVIS. DO NOT use AVIS. They are unprofessional and they blame you for things that you are not guilty of and their customer service is absolutely pathetic! They neglected their job and their responsibility and then they pin it on the innocent customers! I used them every month before this incident but now they lost my business! They know NOTHING about customer service! DO NOT USE AVIS! They are negligent and blame it on the innocent customers! I am still waiting on the contact details of their Ombudsman. Still to be received - after asking it for how long.