Is Europcar ****ming its clients

I rented a car on the 27th of November 2024 from Europcar King Shaka Airport. I received the keys and proceeded to the bay. When I opened the trunk, the parcel tray was loose and looked damaged and there was scratches on the bumper as well I reported it to an employee by the name of Sudeshan. He told me it’s ok it should be in the report. I informed him I was going to pay cash for the toll fees and he removed the toll reader and placed it in the car. I returned the car on 1 December 2024 and was told all is fine by the lady receiving it (did not take her name down). I handed the slip showing I refuelled the car. Imagine my shock when I received an email on the 2 December asking me to explain the damage (I did not respond as I was busy) and on 3 December a message from my bank for a deduction of R975,75 for Europcar claiming damages. I wrote to them informing them that I am not liable for the damage as I informed Sudeshan before taking the car. No response as yet.