Fwd: Panam Scam

I frequently travel overseas.  Recently I visited the lovely country of Panama and enjoyed it very much. 

 

During my travels I typically encounter honest and welcoming individuals.   With major exception, this is what I encountered during my recent stay in your wonderful country.  It was obvious from the very beginning that I was being scammed. 

 

- I arrived in Pamana 23 Jan, went to the Dollar Rental office at the airport and completed the necessary paperwork.  Confirmation: N3878651.   The The man at the desk tried to charge me for an intermediate car even though I had reserved a subcompact.  As I started to drive away I noted the gas tank was only 1/4 full.  So I immediately returned to the office and the manager insisted I complete all of the paperwork from scratch. 

 

- I requested that CDW no be applied to the policy.  The man at the desk said no problem.  I asked him the cost and he said 118 dollars.

 

- There were many scratches on the hubcaps and both bumpers.  The worker ran around the car and marked a few.  I pointed out a few more and insisted the worker include them on the paperwork.  He was not happy.

 

- I returned the car and the man at the desk sent a worker to check the car.  The worker returned and said there was no damage.

 

- Then the man at he desk told me the cost would be $520!  I told him that I had declined CDW and the bill should be $128.  Despite my courteous protest the man at the desk said I have no option but to pay this sum.  I told him we had a contract.  The man at the desk then sent the worker out to inspect the car a second time. 

 

- The worker then returned and said there was a small scratch on the front bumper, that I was reponsibile for this and that I now owed and additional 200$.   When I protested a third time, he told me that if I would sign the paperwork the charge for the scatch would be reduced to $150. 

 

- It was now very very obvious that I was being completely scammed.  I requested the worker's name (he had no nametag one) and he refused to give it to me.  I requested the manager's name and was again refused.  The manager said that if was not happy I should call somebody in Panama City but they would do nothing about it.   I asked for the phone number but was told to look it up myself.

 

- I asked for a complete bill.  I was refused.

 

- I politely requested the documents concerning this situation such that I could take care of it upon my return USA.  I was also refused this request.

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance.  I hope to once again be able to rent a car from your company and to be able to recommend you to my friends and travel acquantances.

 

 

Stephen Mark Ulissi

Bethesda, MD

301 641 9160

ulissi@hotmail.com