My Dad was always fond of reminding me that “if a thing seems too good to be true, it probably is.”<\/p>\n
Just like the time when someone knocked on my front door and offered me a sofa suspiciously cheaply, telling me that “they’d ordered too many”, anyone who offers you a rental van at an impossibly low rate with free delivery is probably pulling a fast one.<\/p>\n
The season of goodwill is here, but for some people it’s just another opportunity to rip people off, so I thought I would pass on these 5 tips from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) to help you spot bogus car and van hire companies before you give them your money:<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Only use a BVRLA member. Seeing our logo on the front desk or website is a sign that you are dealing with a reputable company that has been vetted and operates to a professional code of conduct. You will also be able to use our conciliation service in the event of any dispute. Find a BVRLA member via the \u2018member locator\u2019 on the BVRLA website at: www.carhire.bvrla.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Never hand over cash. Most reputable rental companies will only want to accept credit\/debit card payment<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Make sure the company is operating from a bona fide commercial premises, not a PO Box or virtual office, no matter how prestigious the location sounds<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Make sure the company actually owns and operates the cars it is offering – all BVRLA members operate their own rental fleet.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Remember, if the price or service being offered seems too good to be true, it probably is and you may well end up out of pocket and disappointed!<\/p>\n As BVRLA chief executive John Lewis points out, it’s surprisingly easy to create a bogus hire firm:<\/p>\n \u201cThese companies offer unbeatable prices and free delivery \u2013 but they really are too good to be true.\u00a0Unfortunately it is very easy for fraudsters to build a simple website and set up a call centre to pass themselves off as legitimate businesses.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n