Man Jailed After Hertz Reported Rental Car He Paid for Stolen

Rental car company Hertz has a slogan that says “rent the car, own the memory,” but some folks who live in the Atlanta area say their memories of renting from the company are ones they would rather forget. They all say they were charged with theft after Hertz incorrectly reported their rental cars as being stolen. Inside Edition’s Investigative team found people who say they were arrested, and even spent time in jail, after being accused of stealing rentals cars they properly paid for.

[BobBrown.]

Half a year in jail for something he didn’t do is unacceptable and crazy.

[PresidentGeorgeWBush-vfyi]

This is outrageous. These people should not be punished for a crime THEY HAVE NOT COMMITTED.

[Krisna_K]

Note to self: Don’t ever rent from Hertz! This is outrageous!

[pecantan]

Nobody should rent anything from hertz. These people need to come together and go forward with a class action lawsuit and put them out of business for good.

[f.r.etling]

I can’t imagine spending half a year in jail over nothing. Hertz should be sued to bankruptcy and everything should be given to these victims.

[aabahdjfisosososos]

Being wrongly accused of something is so detrimental to people. It’s sad that it still actually happens and people will still insist on doing it.

[bengaltiger]

Hertz should pay restitution of $250K to each victim of false arrest, and should pay $1, 000, 000 plus $25, 000 per day falsely imprisoned victims.

[JonatGo]

I hope they sue and get millions, this is unbelievable and terrifying. I could see maybe a mix-up and you go it to jail for a few days but 6 months? Unbelievable. Not to mention the fact that these people could have been killed over this mistake. Stuff like this should not happen, and when it does the price to pay needs to be extraordinary.

[gamingequals]

That's called reporting a false crime. Hurtz needs to be held more than responsible.

[ortegonadam]

"They owe me more than an apology"
couldn't have said it better myself.

[angc]

There's this and there's the case where a man spent almost 5 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Hertz had the evidence that proved he was innocent but refused to turn it over despite several subpoenas for that evidence. They owe him booku bucks.

[klutzycutie]

Half a year when he has a receipt that shows he rented? That’s so messed up! I hope he gets a good settlement. Should’ve been shown in day 1 and not arrested.

[mndlgh]

Innocent people being arrested and detained isn't "a tiny problem" 🤢

[Tyexx]

This story should be spread far and wide. Their response to this story is outrageous! I say it’s time to hurt Hertz. Social media, do your thing

[Angela-cdbj]

Absolutely Unacceptable what the customers experienced. Hopefully Hertz will be sued for wrongdoing!

[ianbattles]

Every single citizen should be terrified & outraged that *ANYONE could spend 6 months in jail for a crime they didn't commit.*

[TheWorkingAussie]

Good to know a company to blacklist. This is a huge issue, as it does ruin people's lives, even if the charges get dropped. People shouldn't have to suffer for the company's screw ups.

[mel_]

There needs to be serious legal consequences for a company taking away peoples time from their lives like that.

[curtcollett]

So if you show up with a prepaid reservation and they’re out of cars, why can’t you have them thrown in jail for not having your car?

[jameslittles]

It happened to me about 10 years ago in DC. The police officer was extremely kind and new it was an error by the rental car company. I was renting at that time from thrifty rental car.