Experts Warn Travelers About Rental Car Scam As Summer Travel Picks Up

With so many Americans traveling again, rental cars are in short supply.

Experts say scammers are taking advantage of the issue and posing as legit companies online and on the phone. They said prices are high across the country now because of low supply.

Related Story: Nationwide Rental Car Shortage Impacting Summer Travelers

"Just in the past several months the price has gone up dramatically,” traveler Matt Miller said.

Miller came to pick up a rental car at Tulsa International Airport. He said he's got a lot of traveling to do this summer.

"I try to shop around and find the best prices,” Miller said.

But before you look, Joy McGill at AARP said you'll need to be wise, because scammers are moving in.

"They are using the internet, utilizing call centers, setting up 1-800 customer service line numbers to create the viewpoint they are car rental companies,” McGill said.

McGill said scammers will even pose as reputable companies like Enterprise or Dollar Rent-a-Car. She said scammers use low prices to attract and then try to get you to pre-pay for a rental.

"If someone asks you to pay for a gift card, it's highly likely it's a scam,” McGill said.

That's why you always pay with a credit card if possible. McGill said one consumer was scammed $750 after paying with gift cards, then was left stranded in North Carolina with no money or rental car.

If you believe you have been scammed, you can contact AARP at 877-908-3360.