Greg's Corner

Don’t give party scammers a reason to celebrate

By Greg Collier

While the convenience of online rental services can make party planning a breeze, it’s essential to tread carefully to avoid falling victim to rental scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) continues to receive reports of party hosts being tricked by rental companies that fail to deliver on their promises. Let’s delve into how these scams work and explore ways to safeguard yourself against them.

You’re excitedly planning your event and begin searching for rental supplies online. You come across what appears to be a legitimate website or social media account offering the items you need. The vendor assures you that they can reserve the rentals for your desired date – but there’s a catch. They require you to pay a deposit upfront and may ask for personal details through a contact form.

The day of the event comes, and there’s no sign of your rented tent, furniture, or other supplies. Panic sets in as you attempt to contact the vendor, only to be met with excuses or, worse, radio silence. You realize you’ve been scammed when your attempts to reclaim your money prove futile. Sadly, this scenario isn’t as uncommon as you might think, judging by the complaints received by the BBB.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the rental process safely. Before committing to a rental, thoroughly vet the company. Check their website for accurate contact information, and peruse consumer reviews on third-party websites. Search for the business name alongside the terms “scam” or “complaints” to uncover any red flags.

Listings solely advertised on social media should raise a red flag. Legitimate businesses typically provide multiple avenues for communication, including phone and in-person interactions. If a vendor insists on conducting all transactions via social media, proceed with caution.

Approach with skepticism if a rental business initiates contact through messaging apps without prior interaction. Legitimate companies may use messaging apps for communication, but unsolicited messages should be treated with caution. Verify the business’s legitimacy and ensure they have a functional website and contact information.

While rental agreements may require personal details, exercise caution when sharing sensitive information. Verify the legitimacy of the company before divulging personal and financial data to avoid potential identity theft or fraud.

Before finalizing any rental agreement, thoroughly review the contract terms. Ensure that the delivery date, cost, and payment details are accurate and clearly outlined. Retain a signed and dated copy of the contract for your records.

Pay close attention to how the rental company requests payment. Beware of requests for payment through cryptocurrency, payment apps, or wire transfers, as these methods offer little recourse in case of fraud. Whenever possible, use a credit card for rental payments, as it provides added protection against fraudulent charges.