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Being scammed is one of the worst things to experience, especially on a trip to Uganda! Car rental scams are a common issue world wide that catches travellers off-guard and these scams can lead to unexpected expenses and in the long run ruin the entire trip.
Car rental scammers use deceitful tactics like psychological manipulation, clever marketing and emotional appeals to exploit travellers for their personal or financial gains. In Uganda, we call them “Abafere” and trust us when we tell you that they are all over the place, especially the Internet.
In most cases, you may not even realise that you’re being scammed because even the “Legit” companies may do that just to make extra money. It is up to you to be smart, look out for all the red flags and be vigilant when hiring a car for your trip.
In this blog, we bring you some of the most common car rental scams you may fall victim to and how you can avoid them.
Ghost Companies
This is by far one of the biggest car rental scams in Uganda. A ghost car rental company refers to a fake or non-existent car rental company that appears to be legitimate but doesn’t actually provide vehicles. These companies often have professional-looking websites and advertisements, but they’re just a front to scam unsuspecting customers.
When you book a car through a ghost car rental company, you might receive a confirmation email or even pay for the rental, but when you arrive to pick up the car, it’s nowhere to be found.
Research the Rental Company
Before booking a rental car, thoroughly research the rental company. Read online reviews, check their website, and verify their physical office address or location and contact information. Reputable companies are transparent and have a legitimate online presence.
Bait and Switch
In the case of car rentals, bait and switch basically means a car rental agency advertises a car at a very low price but then later substitutes it to more expensive one. These advertisements are meant to attract potential customers who go ahead and contact the agencies about the offers. In most cases, when you arrive to pick your car, you’ll be told that it has been taken, or that it has some serious mechanical problems and are advised to take another one that is more expensive; meaning you’ll have to pay more for it.
Don’t always choose the cheapest option. Scammers often lure customers with unrealistically low prices. Compare prices from different rental companies to get a sense of the average rates for your desired vehicle.
Hidden Fees
In the rental agreement, some car rental agencies may include fees for things like cleaning, refuelling, or dropping off the car outside the agreed time and location in fine print. Many travellers fall victim to hidden fees, where car rental agencies lure you in with seemingly low daily rates only to surprise you with additional charges when you return the vehicle.
Read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any hidden fees. Also don’t be hesitant to ask for a breakdown of all the potential charges associated with your rental car upfront.
The sneaky charges always hide in the fine print so by paying attention to clauses related to cleaning, driver charges, late return fees; you’re likely to survive this scam.
Fuel scams
Most companies in Uganda have the empty to empty or quarter to quarter fuel policies though some of them may use the full tank policy. This all generally means that you have to return the car with the same amount of fuel that was in it when you took it. Now this is how you’ll get scammed. Say you’ve taken a car with 5litres of fuel and you return it with 5 litres. The agent may say that the car had 8litres and if you didn’t check the fuel gauge before taking it, you’re done for.
Endeavour to check the fuel levels of your rental car before heading out. Some companies may also offer the option to prepay for a full tank of fuel. While this can be convenient, it may not save you money, especially if you don’t use all the fuel you paid for. It’s often better to fill the tank yourself before returning the car.
Unreported Damages
Some companies might try to charge you for pre-existing damage, or damage that wasn’t there. Some unscrupulous agencies may accuse you of causing scratches, dents, or other damage and charge you exorbitant repair fees. This damage scam is unfortunately common, and it can really put a damper on your trip, leaving you feeling frustrated.
Carefully read the rental agreement and ask the rental agent about any damages on the car before signing. Also, inspect the car like a detective and look out for any scratches or dents, tear and wear and document any damage to the vehicle upon pick up. Do not forget to take pictures and videos; preferably with a timestamp for evidence.
Insurance Scams
This scam is one that will cost you a lot of money. Some companies may pressure you into purchasing expensive insurance policies you might already be covered by. Some rental agents may even claim that certain types of insurance are mandatory. This is where it gets tricky. In some countries, additional liability insurance may be required, but in Uganda, if you already have coverage, you’re good to go.
Read and understand the car rental insurance policies before signing the rental agreement. Don’t feel obligated to buy the rental company’s insurance, especially if you have coverage from your credit card or personal insurance.
Credit card fraud
This is something that has happened a lot and is common with ghost companies. They’ll ask for your credit card information and wipe it clean.
Endeavour to use reputable Booking Platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor or the official websites of well-known rental companies and don’t just give out your credit card information. Scammers often create fake booking websites to steal your personal information and money.
Even the legitimate companies may commit fraud by charging you fees you’re not aware of. That is why it is important to look out for all the hidden fees in your rental agreement before signing it.
Overall, save all receipts and records related to your rental. This includes payment receipts, rental agreements, and any communication with the rental company. These documents can be invaluable if you encounter any issues or disputes.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to car rental scams and ensure a safe and reliable rental experience. Don’t let fraudsters spoil your travel plans; be informed and vigilant when renting a car in Uganda.
Contact GoFurther 4×4 Car rental for any the information you may need regarding car rental scams in Uganda.
