Scammers are cashing in on rental car shortage

When travel stopped last spring as the pandemic spread, rental companies sold excess cars that weren’t in demand. Now that the demand has returned, rental prices are rising and scammers are trying to cash in.

The Better Business Bureau has heard from victims who say scammers are impersonating rental car companies.

Travelers who search online for rental cars are finding some results that lead to fake rental companies. A call then leads to a fake customer service representative who offers a car and a special promotion: Drivers can get a significant discount if they pay up front with a gift card or prepaid debit card.

The scammers claim a partnership with those card companies.

5 On Your Side warns: Anytime someone wants you to pay for something with gift cards or pre-paid debit cards, be suspicious.

The scammers can be convincing. They earn trust by responding to questions with answers that seem to make sense. People fall for it and lose money.

Victims have even shown up at rental car companies with the real-looking but bogus receipts.

If you start your search online, pay close attention and always double-check websites. Slow down and never pay someone you don’t know with a gift card or prepaid debit card.

Scammers just keep re-inventing their tactics to take advantage of whatever might be happening in the world at any given time.