Travelers Beware: The "Fog Light Cover" Rental Car Scam

Morocco – A warning has surfaced exposing what appears to be a calculated predatory rental car practice. The report documents a real victim's experience and serves as a cautionary tale for tourists renting vehicles at airports.

The Setup: Deposit and Vehicle Swaps

The ordeal begins at the rental counter. While online terms may seem clear, the agency reportedly inflates security deposits upon arrival. In this documented instance:

• Deposit Inflation: A 1,200€ deposit suddenly jumped to 14,000 dirhams (approximately 1,300€) at the counter
• Vehicle Downgrading: Despite booking a Peugeot 208, the customer received a worn-out, poorly maintained Dacia Logan
• No Recourse: Customers feel pressured to accept these changes after arriving at the airport

The Scam: Exploiting Minor "Damages"

The crux of the warning involves a specific plastic part: the fog light cover. This appears to be a deliberately orchestrated scam:

• Pre-Loosened Parts: The fog light covers may be intentionally loosely attached before the rental begins
• Normal Driving: During regular use, the poorly attached plastic cover falls off
• No Impact Damage: The bumper shows no signs of collision or impact
• Massive Overcharge: Despite the part costing 300-400 dirhams, the agency charged 4,100 dirhams (approximately 400€)
• Vehicle Without Fog Lights: Ironically, the Dacia Logan model doesn't even have functional fog lights, making this purely a cosmetic issue

The Shocking Amount

The victim was charged 4,100 dirhams (€400) for a plastic fog light cover that actually costs between 300-400 dirhams (€30-40). That's a markup of over 1,000%.

The Aftermath: No Recourse for Tourists

Reports indicate that unscrupulous agencies use stalling tactics to avoid conflict at the airport:

• False Promises: Staff promised a refund for the difference in part costs to calm the victim down
• Two Months Later: No refund has been issued and the company is not responding
• No Way to Dispute: Once you've left Morocco, there's virtually no way to contest these charges

How to Protect Yourself at Airports

• Document Everything: Use your phone to film every inch of the car before leaving the lot. Pay special attention to plastic covers, mirrors, and lights to ensure they're securely fastened
• Check Specific Locations: Research the actual local branch of a rental agency, not just the parent company or booking site
• Inspect Before Accepting: Don't feel pressured to rush. Take your time to inspect the vehicle thoroughly
• Read All Reviews: Look for reviews specifically mentioning the airport location
• Use Credit Card Protections: Ensure you have rental car insurance that covers manufactured "damage" claims
• Refuse Suspicious Vehicles: If the car is not what you booked or is in poor condition, you have the right to refuse it

The Bottom Line

This documented case serves as a stark warning: predatory rental agencies exist, particularly at airports where travelers feel they have no choice. This case reveals a pattern of systematic exploitation through deposit inflation, vehicle swaps, and manufactured damage claims.

Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly research any rental agency before booking. The safest approach is to choose a reputable rental company with transparent pricing, verified reviews, and no deposit requirements.

Don't let a rental scam ruin your Moroccan adventure. Choose a trusted partner like Bercy Car, where honesty and customer satisfaction come first.

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Help protect other travelers by sharing this article. The more people who know about these predatory practices, the harder it becomes for dishonest agencies to exploit tourists.