This scam is much less common with rental cars, but it does still happen. So always take photos and video of your car before you leave the car park — and make sure the company knows you’re doing so (Warning them for later). If they object, ask why. If they cant explain, walk away.
Motorbike / Scooter Scams
Particularly common in South East Asia and other developing regions of the world.
So. Your travelling, living your best life and you decide to rent a motorbike and spend the day exploring.
The Scam:
When you bring it back, the owner demands an additional payment or expensive repairs because there is some damage you didn’t know about.
Sometimes, they will have asked you to leave your passport as collateral instead of a deposit “since it’s easier." [RED FLAG]. Then, when they inspect the motorbike afterward they “find” new damage, resulting in you having to fork over a lot of money because they’re holding your passport hostage.
To avoid this:
- Take photos of the bike first to document any previous damage.
- Go around it with the owner so they know what you are taking pictures of
- Show them your passport, and then leave a photocopy of it with them rather than your actual passport (Make sure to get it back when you are done)
- Where possible, use your own lock, and keep the bike out of sight and off of main street when you park [Sometimes an owner will send someone to mess with the bike or steal it so you have to pay!]
- Always make sure you buy travel insurance before your trip so you can make a claim if there is an issue (And especially in case of accidents!)