Beware of Car Rental Scams: Don't Fall for the 7 Euro Per Day Trap

If you're planning to rent a car in Morocco, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Agadir, you may have seen advertisements offering rental cars for as low as 7 euros per day. While this price might seem like an incredible deal, it's often a red flag for a common scam that catches many unsuspecting tourists.

How the Scam Works

Here's what typically happens when you rent from these companies:

• Attractive Low Price: They advertise impossibly low daily rates (5-10 euros) to attract budget-conscious travelers
• Large Deposit Required: Upon pickup, they require a substantial deposit - often 200-500 euros or more
• Normal Use of Vehicle: You use the car responsibly and return it in the same condition
• Invented Damages: When you return the car, they "discover" scratches, dents, or mechanical issues that weren't there before
• Partial Deposit Return: They keep a significant portion of your deposit to "cover repairs" that were never needed

The Simple Math Behind the Scam

Let's be realistic: operating a rental car business has real costs. Fuel, insurance, maintenance, vehicle depreciation, staff salaries, and business taxes all add up. A rental company charging 7 euros per day simply cannot cover these expenses. The only way they make money is by finding ways to keep your deposit.

For example, if you rent for 7 days at 7 euros, you pay only 49 euros for the rental. But if they keep 150 euros from your 300 euro deposit for "damages," their actual revenue becomes 199 euros - now suddenly their business model makes sense, but at your expense.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Prices too good to be true: If it seems impossibly cheap, it probably is
• Large deposits required: Especially when combined with very low rental rates
• Poor or no online reviews: Legitimate businesses have verifiable customer feedback
• Pressure to skip the inspection: Honest companies want you to document the car's condition
• Cash-only deposits: Makes disputes nearly impossible to resolve
• Vague or no contract: Professional companies provide clear rental agreements

How to Protect Yourself

• Choose realistic pricing: A fair price for a reliable rental car starts around 25 euros per day
• Avoid deposits when possible: Reputable companies like Bercy Car don't require deposits
• Document everything: Take photos and videos of the car before and after your rental
• Read reviews: Check Google, TripAdvisor, and social media for real customer experiences
• Get everything in writing: Ensure all terms are clearly stated in your rental agreement
• Pay with card when possible: Credit cards offer better protection for disputes

Don't Let a Scam Ruin Your Trip

Your vacation in Morocco should be filled with wonderful memories - exploring beautiful beaches, visiting historic medinas, and enjoying delicious cuisine. Don't let a dishonest car rental company turn your dream trip into a nightmare. Choose a reputable rental service with fair, transparent pricing and no deposit requirements.

Remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Invest a few extra euros per day in a trustworthy rental company, and you'll save yourself from potential headaches, disputes, and financial losses.

About Bercy Car

Bercy Car is a trusted car rental service based in Agadir, Morocco. We've built our reputation on honesty, transparency, and exceptional customer service. With over 5,000 satisfied customers from around the world, we're proud to offer a rental experience you can trust. No deposits, no scams, no surprises - just great cars and great service.