Protect Yourself Against Fraud: Key Practices When Renting a Car

In today's fast-paced world, car rental services are a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike. Their appeal largely lies in the many benefits they offer. However, with the growing demand, some dishonest people exploit this by engaging in fraudulent practices.

Rest assured, renting a car need not be a nerve-wracking experience. A measure of careful consideration when selecting a car rental provider and during transaction processes can save you from unnecessary hassles.

The advantages of using car rental services are numerous, whether it's for personal or business purposes. It presents an ideal solution for those needing transportation quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, companies opting for car rental services can eliminate additional costs such as annual taxes and maintenance fees. You certainly wouldn't want to miss out on these benefits.

To protect yourself from falling victim to scams disguised under car rental services, consider these five essential tips.

5 Tips to Avoid Car Rental Scams

Check the credibility of the rental company

Credibility and reputation are crucial factors to consider when choosing your car rental company. You could ask friends, colleagues, or business associates about the car rental services they've used.

Alternatively, reading reviews in newspapers and on social media platforms can provide valuable insights. Opt for a rental company that's trustworthy with a positive reputation for peace of mind during transactions.

Avoid brokers or third parties

Once you have a list of potential car rental companies, make sure to communicate with the company directly. Avoid using brokers or intermediaries, even if they claim to represent the company. You can contact the company's call center, visit a local branch, or use the company's official app to avoid any fraudulent activity.

Be wary of unusually low prices

It's easy to be enticed by car rental prices significantly lower than the market average. However, this should be a red flag prompting caution. Take time to conduct a small survey to compare prices, ensuring you find the best value that aligns with the quality of service and amenities you receive. If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.

Personally inspect the vehicle’s condition

To increase your confidence in renting a car, request a schedule to personally inspect the vehicle you'll be using. This is particularly crucial for those planning on a long-term rental.

Conduct transactions at the rental office

Make transactions directly at the office of the chosen car rental company. Not only does this improve the security of your transaction, but it also reinforces previous points.

Trustworthy companies will have their own offices, which can further help you avoid broker interference. Don't forget to inquire about the payment scheme before conducting any transactions, and ensure these details are included in the car rental agreement or contract.

By following the five key practices outlined above, you stand a better chance of avoiding potentially harmful car rental scams. In fact, if you choose TRAC for your car rental service, it ticks all of the boxes.

TRAC is a reputable car rental company with decades of positive standing. With over 20 branch offices scattered across various cities in Indonesia, you can conveniently visit TRAC to gather information or complete transactions.

Alternatively, you can use the TRACtoGo app for daily car rental bookings, which is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy various conveniences in TRAC services.

TRAC offers competitive pricing in line with the high-quality services provided. When choosing TRAC, you can benefit from a range of advantages, including:

• Flexibility of rental period
• High standard vehicle maintenance
• Authorized workshop support
• Wide selection of vehicles
• Availability of replacement cars
• Customer care (24/7)

Make sure to be aware to stop any false transactions, and do not make payments to personal bank accounts. If you suspect any fraudulent activities, please immediately request confirmation of suspicious attempts or transactions through our Customer Assistance Center – CAC (24/7): 1500.009.