An investigation by a consumer watchdog group, found U-Haul uses a “multifaceted, deceptive bait-and-switch pricing scheme” that hides the true cost of its truck rentals by omitting mandatory fees and charges from advertised pricing.

Based on its findings, Truth in Advertising filed a complaint last month with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consumer protection officials in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

In its complaint to the FTC, TINA says consumers must navigate through more than 10 webpages and pop-up screens before arriving at their virtual shopping cart. When they do, the complaint alleges, “two never-before-mentioned, mandatory fees are automatically added to the total cost of the rental.”

TINA says the cost of mandatory fees, plus optional basic insurance coverage, add up to more than double the advertised price.

Based on more than 700 consumer reviews, U-Haul International has a one-star rating on the Better Business Bureau website.

https://komonews.com/news/local/u-haul-uses-bait-and-switch-advertising-according-to-investigation-by-watchdog-group-moving-secret-fees-local-national-price-increase-economy-rental-pages-scam