Rental car scams on the rise as travel season starts

PITTSBURGH — With an ongoing rental car shortage and more folks getting vaccinated criminals are cashing in.

Scammers are posing as rental car providers and are trying to rip you off.

The Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm on another rise in fraud as we approach the summer months.

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This time scammers are focusing on travel and the lack of rental cars.

They’re claiming to be rental car representatives promising exceptional deals and fast service.

They will buy ads online, duplicate rental company sites and set up a phone number.

When you call, scammers will tell you that you must pay with a gift card or prepaid debit card upfront to get a discount.

They’ll take all your personal info, card details and pin, cash in the cards and tell you it doesn’t work and ask you to buy more.

The BBB says never pay with prepaid debit cards or gift cards because you’ll never get your money back.

“I just think that people are gonna try to capitalize on whatever they can! And you always need to check who you’re sending money to,” said Laurel Wiester of Regent Square.

“With this thing, with the car rentals and just like anything else — they’re all out there. Just taking advantage of whatever and it’s a shame,” said Joe Dellotritto of Plum.

The BBB also recommends to double check website addresses because scammers often spoof them.

Finally, always call the rental car companies directly to verify discounts.

The BBB said if you see this scam to report it right away.

Spam, scam texts being sent to your phone, and criminals are getting personal Spam, scam texts being sent to your phone, and criminals are getting personal

Cox Media Group