Something strange is happening to rental car drivers in Spain—vehicles are being locked remotely, and desperate customers are unknowingly handing over hundreds of euros. The culprit?
The scheme, which has surfaced in recent months, takes advantage of car rental payment issues and involves scammers posing as representatives from well-known companies like Hertz.
The fraud was recently reported after a woman, facing a payment issue with her Hertz rental car<, unknowingly contacted a fraudulent customer service number she found online. Instead of resolving her problem, she fell into a well-planned trap that cost her hundreds of euros.
How the Scam Works
The scam typically begins when a rental car is remotely disabled due to an outstanding payment. In the recent case, the affected driver searched for Hertz customer service online and unknowingly dialed a fraudulent number.
The scammers, posing as Hertz representatives, instructed the woman to settle her debt using a Walmart gift card worth €300. After following their instructions, she was told the payment was invalid and was asked to purchase another gift card for €312. Once she complied, the fraudsters promised a refund upon returning the car—but the vehicle remained locked, and the so-called customer service number disappeared.
A Growing Concern Among Rental Car Users
This rental car scam is not an isolated case. Reports indicate that other drivers in Spain have encountered similar situations, but many have recognized the scam in time and reported it to authorities instead of making payments.
Security officials warn that scammers exploit the trust customers place in major car rental brands. Victims often panic when their rental car is blocked and rush to contact customer support—only to fall into a carefully orchestrated fraud.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, police and security experts recommend the following precautions:
- Verify Customer Service Numbers – Always check the official website of the rental company rather than relying on a general web search. Fraudulent phone numbers often appear at the top of search results.
- Never Pay with Gift Cards – No legitimate business will demand payment through Walmart, Amazon, or other retail gift cards. If a representative requests such a payment, it is a red flag.
- Report Suspicious Activity – If you encounter a scam attempt, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities. Once scammers disappear, recovering lost money is extremely difficult.
With technology making scams more sophisticated, travelers must remain vigilant when handling rental car transactions.
Checking details through official sources and staying cautious about unexpected payment requests can prevent falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
