Rental-Car 'Prepay / Damage Fee' Scam
A fake rental-car deal demands prepayment for a car that isn't there, or a scammer bills you for 'damage' you didn't cause after a return.
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What this scam is
Two variants: (1) A too-cheap rental-car 'deal' (via ad or fake site) requires prepayment or a deposit by card or wire; on arrival there's no car and no refund. (2) After a legitimate rental, a scammer or dishonest operator sends a bogus 'damage' or 'cleaning' bill and pressures you to pay by card or wire. Booking only with reputable companies, documenting the car's condition, and disputing improper charges are the defenses.
What it usually looks like
- A rental-car deal far below normal, requiring prepayment.
- A booking site or ad you can't verify.
- A post-return 'damage/cleaning fee' demand.
- Payment by wire or pressure to pay a bill fast.
Common warning signs
- Prepayment/deposit by wire for a rental.
- Unverifiable rental sites or agents.
- Surprise 'damage' bills after return.
- Pressure to pay immediately.
Example wording scammers use
“Economy rental all week for $59 — prepay by wire to reserve your car!”
“Post-rental notice: $450 damage fee. Pay within 48 hours to avoid collections.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Prepayment for a nonexistent car, or a bogus damage fee.
- Wire payments.
- To exploit travel logistics.
What to do
- Book only with reputable rental companies; avoid wire prepayment.
- Photograph/video the car's condition at pickup and return.
- Dispute improper 'damage' charges with documentation and your card issuer.
- Verify any post-rental bill with the real company.
What to do if you already responded
- Dispute the charge (or contact your bank about a wire) with your documentation.
- Verify with the legitimate rental company.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.