I am contacting the news media because my wife whom is a disabled veteran was arrested and jailed yesterday for failing to pay rent for an appliance we rented from Buddy's Home Rental in Titusville. There had been a dispute over the incomplete delivery of the product they rented us and we refused to make further payments unless the problem was rectified. We either wanted a complete refund of what we had already paid or that the product (Refrigerator) come complete with all the accessories we were entitled to. The Refridge was missing the drawers that store deli meats and also a vegetable drawer. We were assured that they would be sent. They never were. After we missed the next payment, Buddy's employees showed up at our home an accosted my wife in a threatening manner. My wife and I told them that they either produce the missing drawers, or give us a refund. These employees became increasingly rude and aggressive and said they would not leave until we gave them the appliance. At this time I ordered them off of my property and told them I would call the sheriff. They refused to leave so I called the sheriff. The deputy arrived and after explaining the scenario he ordered the employees to leave our property and not return. That it was a civil matter and to take it up in court. After this we decided to go ahead and return the appliance and just file a civil complaint against them. We contacted Buddy's to have them come and take the appliance and had scheduled the pick up for a Saturday morning. Saturday came and went and on the following Monday I called to ask why no one came to pick up the appliance, I was told that they would "see us in court". The appliance has been sitting here at my house for several months, unused as we purchased another right after the sheriff incident. My wife, a 49yr old disabled veteran with no criminal history was arrested yesterday for a warrant out of Brevard County for failure to return rental property. This is an outrage and should be used as a consumer warning for people considering renting anything from these rent to own companies. Not only do they charge outrageous fees and interest on their products, but they use law enforcement and the "criminal" courts to intimidate and criminalize something that should be a civil matter. I hope you would use this story to warn consumers about this
Iniquitous practice. Thanks in advance, Raymond Bailes
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