Budget car rental debiting money without authorization, inquiry or support

Just had the WORST possible experience with a car rental company

Picked up a vehicle from Port Elizabeth Airport and road tripped to Cape Town airport where I subsequently dropped the car off

During pick up, no one showed me to the car or checked the car with me during collection. I had a quick look around the car but didn't seem to have any scratches or damage so I jumped in and started driving

On dropping the car off in Cape Town, the agent suddenly looks UNDERNEATH the car and spots scratches and proceeded to blame this on me. When I proceeded to explain that I was certain I didn't damage the vehicle, the agent instructed me to mention that I "collected the vehicle damaged" on my return form. Since I was late for a flight, there wasn't much else I could discuss and I was on my way

Fast forward to 3 days later - I receive an SMS stating that I was being billed for damaging the rental vehicle and being charged R1,400 ex VAT. Furious at this stage, I immediately call Budget's "damage dispute line". The agent heard my story but her response was "I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do except forward you query to the respective branches -WTH!

At this point I'm livid and coming to terms with the fact that it'd be a while before my R2,800 deposit would be returned to me. I tried calling Budget CT but no answer. I sent 2 subsequent emails to budget CT and PE but no answer

Later that evening, ANOTHER payment fires off my credit card, this time for ~R750 - ZERO explanation! I write to Budget again , but NO ANSWER!

I'm really appalled by this service - it's been the worst experience I've ever received from ANY service provider PERIOD