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damarriss
Contributor ⭐
February 12, 2025

Budget car rentals. CLEANING FEE SCAM

  • February 12, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 4188 views

Recently rented a car at the roanoke airport.   There was some mud on the driver's side floor mat when the car was returned.  Nothing else of note in the car or on the outside of the car regarding cleanliness or condition.  

Just received a notice that they are charging $250 to my credit card for 'excessive cleaning' fees.   Of course we are helpless to try to fight this.  Did not think to take photos of the inside / outside of the car upon return.  

This is a scam and this company should have a class action lawsuit filed against this.   They are apparently using this scam as a profit center.  Shame on you and again,,  DON'T USE THIS COMPANY (or Avis)  there are plenty of other companies to use out there that are not dishonest.  

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      3 replies

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      madelitx
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      February 12, 2025

      The "scratched tires" are a widely used scam in the UK. When we returned the car we noticed that they were checking all cars "very meticulously" and when they came to us and said we owed them a tire because of a scratch, I was able to pull up the photos with date and location I had taken at the rental place showing it was already present when we got the car. Nothing they could scam us for! I learned to do this after such scam in Florida years and years ago. Do yourselves a favor: always take photos of Any damage and note in your paperwork, if you get any. Spend a few more minutes at the place and save yourselves a big headache and money! later.

       

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      Quizzes2do2000
      Contributor ⭐
      February 13, 2025

      Same thing happened to us at Avis in London they claimed we scratched the car. I said send a photo to prove it then I replied to them how their photo was blurry and showed nothing and that I have video and photos of the car so if they try to charge me I’ll dispute it. I agree always have proof inside and out after you return a car. It’s infuriating that they get away with this! 

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        AARPConsumerCare
        Community Champion ⭐
        February 12, 2025

        Hi @damarriss, I can understand how frustrating this can be. I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Budget. Please send me a private message or visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with one of our representatives who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. - Diana G.

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