Real Stories: This Isn't Theory. This Is Tuesday.

"I missed a small dent on the roof and was forced to pay for the damage that there is no way I personally caused. They were eager to show us the spot we missed seconds after pulling in with the vehicle and ready to charge for it immediately. You can tell they do this scam repeatedly, but never actually repair the dents either. Take a video, no matter who you rent from, but never choose Economy, as they also have hidden fees that will cost you more than double the rate that you booked the vehicle for!"

"My wife and I booked a car with the Economy company through Orbitz and paid the insurance ($90.00) beforehand. When we got to Costa Rica, Economy would not rent us a car without seeing an insurance policy. They charged $419 for the same insurance. That's a scam."

"I got a flat on a level piece of good road near the Pacific coast. I pulled over right away, changed the tire and drove on. The next day, as we returned the car, I told the rental company we'd had a flat. They didn't say anything then, but a week later a charge appeared on our credit card for $76.90, no explanation. I've rented cars in many countries in Europe, in Mexico and all across the US and never had to pay for a flat tire. I feel scammed."

"When we left with this car, after 15 minutes the tire was flat. We checked it and noticed that the cap was missing and there was a nail on it. We found a mechanic immediately and went to fix it before some other help arrived. We informed the company that said: 'oh, it happens.'"

"The modus operandi is one of the antisocials to point out nicely to the driver a problem with a tire (or other part of the vehicle) and to pull over. Once at the curb, while talking, 'out of the blue' appears another, claiming to be a mechanic having or having had the same problem. On closer inspection, the (alleged) mechanic finds 'serious' problems and offers to repair the vehicle."

"A person approaches you as the attendant is filling up your car. We had a person selling snacks approach us. While this person distracts you, the attendant will complete the fueling and quickly reset the pump to take the next person. You will have no idea how much fuel was put into your vehicle. We estimated being charged over $20 more than we really should have been charged due to this scam."

"Our experience with Adobe was horrendous. From start to finish they tried to bamboozle and fleece us. We paid the mandatory insurance but declined the CDW as we were already covered through our credit card. Brought booklet to show coverage but this was not satisfactory to them, though they kept the booklet after I asked for it back. Was going to pay the extra $70 just to get out of there but then realized they had rental dates wrong and it was now an extra $700."

"I reserved a rental car from Budget while in the States. When I arrived in Costa Rica they increased the price I was going to have to pay. I told them that I was fully covered by my credit card and even showed them the paperwork. The man told me that it is the law in Costa Rica and that if I did not pay for the mandatory insurance they would not rent me the car. This increase cost me an additional $200."

"The driver even carries a badge, supposedly indicating that he is an employee in charge of providing information. They ask the tourist to take them to a hostel or hotel in the capital city but then take advantage of the situation. Once inside the vehicle, they take another route through Alajuela, Heredia, and other places, and at the end of the transportation service, they make an excessive charge."

"Conventional wisdom in Costa Rica is that ALL dealers roll back the odometers."