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Public Storage, PS Storage ripoff, theft, dishonest trade practices, negligent, Glendale California
Hello. I am writing this letter to serve as warning to the public and anyone who currently stores, or may be contemplating utilizing storage at Public Storage. Because of their negligence, I have lost all of my possessions, and became a victim of identity fraud. In December 2001, while a student at Yale University, I was accepted into a prestigious Fellows Program at Oxford University. Knowing that I would be away for at least 9 months, I took most of my belongings to Public Storage. Before entering into a contract with them, I presented them with a complete inventory of my items, as well as homeowners insurance information which detailed my coverage. After their assurances, I then entrusted my possessions into the care of Public Storage.
Although I had set up Automated Bill Payment which automatically charged my credit card, numerous billing problems ensued; therefore in February 2002, I decided to pay the balance for the year, using a Bank of America cashier's check. Because I had many negative interactions with the property manager, and wanted a receipt of delivery, I sent the check using the Federal Express Same Day Service. The check was signed for- however Pubic Storage never credited my account.
In late June, I had yet another negative interaction with the Property Manager, and decided to speak with the District Manager. He assured me that my items were safe and that my payment would be credited, however, in late July, the agents at Public Storage sold all of my belongings, citing that although they had received the payment, that they had inadvertently lost the payment, therefore they NEVER cashed the payment.
I have spent over $56,000 in legal fees in an effort to recoup the losses, as well as clearing the identity fraud issues due to their negligence and although many promises to compensate me were made by Public Storage, however, as of today's
date, November 21, 2003, I have not received any compensation. In fact, the company has made a concerted effort to prolong the issue, such as requesting copies of items which have already been which is costing more money in legal fees.
Because I have been treated so poorly by the management and legal department, I feel that I have a duty to inform and warn the public. I am simply seeking justice and to recover what I lost, nothing more. In closing, I would like to state that I have retained an attorney, and the firm is interested in other parties who have had ANY problems with Public Storage. I would like to also suggest that complaints be filed with the Attorney General's Office in California- no matter where the original incident occured-as this is the location of their corporate headquarters, and they are interested in investigating the business practices of Public Storage.
I would also to state that the used Shurgard Storage, Inc, for several years, and have not had any problems. Therefore, if you have irreplaceable belongings, and belongings of value, then perhaps you would be better served to place them someplace such as Shurgard, a place which is secure, honest and responsible.