U.S. Bank is scamming their Auto Lease customers. I recently turned in a 2005 Mazda to the same dealer where I leased it 4 years ago. They told me to take a ton of picutres to document its condition because they have had a several complaints from their returning lease customers about U.S. Bank demanding "excess wear and tear" charges. Due to the large number of complaints, my Mazda dealer dropped U.S. Bank from their list of approved lease providers.
9 days later I received an "estimate" from U.S. Bank's inspector, and sure enough they are now attempting to charge me $675.50 in "excessive" wear and tear. I should add that my car is in near perfect condition for a 4 year old vehicle, and I have the pictures to prove this. It had less than 40,000 miles on it, a brand new set of tires, no major dents or dings. It had been garaged regularly and taken to the dealer for all recommended service checks. U.S. Bank however feels that a 4 year old car should be in mint condiont and minor scratches require "body work".in addition they are charging me $40 to remove a decal on the back bumper!
I spoke to someone in their Lease Maturity Department to lodge my official dispute, and he said that they do not negotiate, they are very strict in their interpretation of "wear and tear" and that if I did not pay it, they will turn it over to a collections agency and "ruin my credit". (Thanks Lonnie!)
I checked online and there are dozens of web sites about U. S Bank and this lease scam. Most complaints are remarkably similar to mine. People are just being ripped off by this bank. I should add this is the 4th time I have turned in a lease vehicle, and while all the vehicles have been in more or less the same condition, this is the ONLY time I have ever had a bank try to force me into paying exhorbitant additonal fees. I am NOT taking this. I will fight them, and I hope everyone who has an experience like mine will do so as well.
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