Scam Alert

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Read Below and Stay Safe!

A prominent dumpster rental scam involves fake online ads where a scammer acts as a broker to steal money from customers and services from legitimate companies. The scams are often advertised on platforms like Facebook Marketplace with "too-good-to-be-true" prices.

How the broker scam works

  • Fake listings: Scammers post fraudulent ads, often using a real company's photos and slightly discounted prices to avoid suspicion. They target customers who are looking for a deal and may be in a hurry.
  • Request for non-refundable payment: When a customer contacts the scammer, they are instructed to pay using an unsecured, non-refundable payment method such as Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App.
  • Booking with stolen credit card: The scammer then places a real order with a legitimate, local dumpster company using a stolen credit card.
  • Delivery and chargeback: The legitimate company delivers the dumpster. A few days later, the real credit card owner reports the fraudulent charge, and the payment is reversed. The scammer has already taken the customer's money and disappeared.
  • Victims suffer the consequences: Both the customer and the legitimate dumpster company become victims. The customer has to pay the real company a second time to get the dumpster removed or face having its contents dumped on their property. The legitimate company loses the service revenue and the dumpster until it is collected.

Other common dumpster rental scams

  • Bait and switch: A company quotes a low price over the phone but then substantially increases the cost with hidden fees after the dumpster has been delivered. Hidden fees can include administrative, fuel, and disposal costs.
  • Weight overcharge: The rental company charges you for a waste weight that is far higher than the actual amount, leading to inflated overage fees.
  • Early pickup: The company picks up the dumpster before the rental period is over and charges you extra if you need a new one to finish your project.
  • Unlicensed and uninsured: Unregulated companies offer low prices but leave you liable for any property damage or injuries that occur while they are working on your property.
  • No delivery: The scammer simply takes your upfront payment via an unsecured method and never delivers the dumpster.

How to avoid dumpster rental scams

  • Research the company: Look for a legitimate, local business with a verifiable address, a well-designed website, and consistent, positive reviews on multiple platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau.
  • Avoid unsecured payments: Never pay via non-refundable methods like Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or gift cards. Use a credit card, which offers more protection against fraud, or a secure payment portal.
  • Get a written contract: Request a detailed, written agreement that clearly defines the rental period, delivery and pickup dates, and a transparent breakdown of all potential costs, including overage fees.
  • Confirm pricing: Be suspicious of quotes that are significantly lower than market rates. Ask for a comprehensive quote upfront and inquire about all possible additional fees.
  • Avoid third-party or social media listings: Book directly with the company through its official website or a verified phone number, not through an ad on social media or a personal account.
  • Refuse inconsistent orders: If the delivered dumpster does not match the size you ordered, refuse it and contact the company directly.

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