Brits are being warned not to fall for a common scam this year while on holiday. Chris Thomas, from UK-Private Investigators, has warned British tourists that hiring a vehicle  abroad can turn into a disaster if they’re not careful.

Hiring a car, bike or scooter for your holiday  can make travelling and exploring easier, but it can quickly turn into a costly nightmare if you rent from the wrong place.

Chris said: “You can get hit with damages you didn’t do, which can sometimes cost thousands. We regularly get calls from travellers who have returned cars or scooters in perfect condition, only to be accused of causing damage that was already there.

“Unfortunately, there’s often nothing they can do when it happens, and they’re left footing the bill. Most people are excited to start their holiday and don’t think to document every inch of the vehicle. The rental  company then claims there’s a new dent or scratch, and unless you have time-stamped photos or videos, it’s your word against theirs.” 

Charges can range from £100 for a small scratch to thousands for alleged damage, and these charges are often taken straight from the customer’s deposit or credit card.

One traveller rented a scooter while on holiday in Magaluf but was hit by a hefty fine at the end of his stay. “We were all shocked,” he said. “Six of us rented scooters, and every single one of us was fined for damage that was already there. 

“I paid £450, and my friends were fined from £200 to £600 each. Altogether, we were ripped off for thousands. It completely ruined our holiday. The company held on to our passports, so there was nothing we could do. It was our word against theirs.”

Chris said that if you need to rent a vehicle when travelling abroad, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your wallet. Start by researching the company. Read online reviews and see if other tourists have reported similar scams.

He added: “See what other people’s experiences have been like. Avoid companies with no reviews or negative comments about unfair charges. If possible, take out extra insurance too.”

Before you leave the rental site, take clear photos and videos of the vehicle from every angle, including close-ups of any scratches, dents or scuffs. Documenting the condition of the vehicle gives you evidence if you’re accused of causing damage and need to involve local authorities.

Chris said: “Inspect the vehicle with a member of staff before leaving and ask them to note any existing damage on the paperwork. Make sure you get a copy of that paperwork too.”

He concluded by saying: “We’ve spoken to experienced travellers and even locals who were caught out because they trusted the company. If you’re in a busy tourist area, you’re a target. Scammers know that most visitors will pay the fee just to avoid the hassle of a dispute in a foreign country.”