******** billing ***** with prior damage proof provided

I rented a car from Avis/Budget for a week from 18 September 2026 - 25 September 2026. I was emailed the rental agreement but did not review it initially. I was informed of a cosmetic scratch on the passenger side rear rim when I returned the car. I informed the receiving clerk that I did not have any incident with the car. Their proof that there was no scratch on the rim was by sending me a very poor quality picture of the car as I left the parking lot. After many emails to and fro, I reviewed the rental agreement and to my amazement the damage that I was accused of was there in black and white. I sent the evidence to customer service and the Cape Town branch manager and they refuse to refund the money they took from my credit card claiming that I am accountable without sending me any further evidence. My emails to customer service and the Cape Town branch manager with the proof of the pre-existing damage have been met with rejection and arrogance. There has been a lot of correspondence to no avail. I even sent an email to ***, who are the owners of Avis/Budget but no response. I lodged a complaint to SAVRALA - no response. I lodged a complaint with MIOSA but that is going to take a long time. I have also logged a ***** case with *** credit card from where the money was taken.

This is nothing other than corporate bullying and the attitude of "do what you want". Avis is blatantly taking money for damages that is pre-existing. Pathetic company!