topic Re: Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam in Benefits & Discounts

Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam

RobertS30063 — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:28:58 GMT

The note below I sent to Avis describes my issue:

I received a letter from Avis dated June 12 that said I would be charged $450 for cleaning of my recent rental, which was returned on June 7. Customer Service agent I called said that car was found to have smoke smell and ashes, and Avis had photos to verify. I strongly protested, saying no such problems were present when I returned the vehicle. I do not smoke, nor does my wife or anyone who was in the car during the rental. Agent asked why I didn't take photos to prove the car was clean --- obviously, I had no reason to take photos, since the car was clean and I had nothing to prove. Call to agent was eventually cut off. I believe that any smoke/ashes damage occurred AFTER I surrendered the vehicle, and there is no way I should be charged $450 for cleaning. I want to get copies of photos showing the problem. Regardless, I did not cause the problem.

They have refused to accept my denial of the problem, nor have they provided me with their "evidence." From what I've read online, this is not uncommon. Sometimes they confuse one car for another, and I suppose sometimes an Avis employee decides to take a smoke break.

Re: Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam

WebWiseWoman — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:09:23 GMT

Hello, Robert,

We experienced this issue many years ago (5 +/-). Here are the recommendations we received:

If customer service doesn't resolve the issue, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, your state's consumer protection office, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
If you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. (This is what worked for us; Avis finally gave up; imo, due to possible federal intervention.)
Don't give up easily. Some customers have had success getting the fee reversed by being persistent.

I'd add searching the net for "rental car smoking scam" might have additional helpful info.

Hope this is resolved in your favor!

Re: Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam

GailL1 — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:46:47 GMT

What city was this in? Seems from past complaints on this board on this issue, it was happening in the Detroit area. But not sure if it was always this rental co.

If you do a search you will find other issues on this site - like this one

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Benefits-Discounts/Budget-car-rentals-CLEANING-FEE-SCAM/m-p/2591911#M2848

Re: Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam

RobertS30063 — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:48:48 GMT

The car was rented in Los Angeles (LAX airport) and returned in San Francisco (SFO airport).

Re: Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam

AARPConsumerCare — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:13:40 GMT

RobertS30063 We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with Avis. We are listening and would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. - Christy C.

Re: Avis Car Rental --- Cleaning Fee Scam

SereneSeagull — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 15:44:14 GMT

I’m sorry that happened. They tend to be the dregs, can’t they? Taking pics when getting the car helps as I’m seeing more and more do this. Both inside and out before even leaving the lot. And pics will have date and time stamp on them. Doing the same upon return as well. Someone mentioned BBB, but also try FTC that they mentioned as well. Sucks you had to go through that