Many years ago, when I was under 25, I rented a car from an agency whose name shall remain *cough* DOLLAR *cough*. They were one of a handful of agencies renting to under-25 drivers. When we arrived at HELL A X to drop the car off, they demanded more than double what I agreed to (pre-internet days--only a phone conversation/confo number). After arguing about this for about ten minutes, they would not budge, and we needed to get in the shuttle bus to get to the airport so as not to miss our flight. So, I signed the cc thing and we went on our way. I had to spend a week afterward fighting them on the phone to FINALLY get my money back. Of course, they didn't believe me, but did admit that the person who took the reservation was a dumbass (likely not nearly as dumb as their executives) who had since been fired for incompetence.
(In my experience, the rental car agencies are among the LOWEST of the low, and will mercilessly prey on any inexperienced driver/renter, and will do anything to sow FUD to screw you for extended coverage, etc. They don't bother me anymore, because I am older, much more assertive, and much richer than previously.)
I have not had such a problem since, and am scrupulous about getting things in writing, saving online receipts, using my (cash back rewards) Citibank and Amex cards for most large transactions. The experience left me paranoid for life about this type of thing happening again. Suffice it to say, it is not just the money, but I hate being the victim of corporate theft (i.e., any more than I already am as a citizen of the U.S.)
Recently I heard another alarming story: A woman picked up her car after having new tires installed, and the tire dealership demanded much more than was agreed upon. She protested and threatened to leave without paying (not clear on the details, if she had keys in hand). Apparently the cops were summoned, appeared in a split second, threw her to the ground, cuffed her and carried her away (Guantanamo?)
So, my questions are:
1.) I didn't know the police would intervene in the case of a dispute between a store/vendor/contractor and a customer? Is this usual? Isn't this a civil matter, provided you are not outright shoplifting?
2.) Does the consumer have ANY rights in this case, or do we live in some sort of brutal corporate dictatorship (already know the answer to that one!)??
3.) WHat do you do in such a case? Can you sign your cc receipt as "signed in protest"? Will that have any effect?
4.) What will happen if you just flat-out refuse to sign the cc receipt?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.