Vehicle Rental Scam
Vehicle Rental scams involve fraudsters posing as legitimate rental services to deceive individuals into paying for non-existent or misrepresented vehicles.
How is a Vehicle Rental Scam Executed
1. Fake Rental Listings
Scammers create fake online listings for rental vehicles, often offering attractive rates and appealing images.
Victims who make payments discover that the rental was non-existent or misrepresented.
2. Upfront Payment Requests
Scammers request upfront payments for vehicle rentals, claiming it's a deposit or advance payment.
Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, and the victim is left without a rental vehicle.
3. Lack of Verification
Scammers avoid providing verifiable details or meeting in person. They may use fake addresses or untraceable phone numbers.
Victims are unable to verify the legitimacy of the rental service.
What to Look Out For
Verify the legitimacy of vehicle rental listings. Verify the existence of the company by searching for its registration details on the official business filing portal provided by the ACRA https://www.tis.bizfile.gov.sg/ngbtisinternet/faces/oracle/webcenter/portalapp/pages/TransactionMain.jspx
How to Protect Yourself
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Verify Rental Listings
Verify the legitimacy of vehicle rental listings. Use reputable rental platforms or verify the service's existence through independent sources.
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Avoid Upfront Payments
Avoid making upfront payments for vehicle rentals. Legitimate services typically require payment upon vehicle pickup or delivery.
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Check Verifiable Details
Check for verifiable details, such as a physical address and valid contact information. Be wary of services that avoid face-to-face interactions or provide vague details.