WARNING: Predatory Damage Scam at Amazing Island Car Rental (Ponta Delgada)
I am writing this to save other travelers from getting completely extorted by Amazing Island Car Rental. I have traveled extensively, and I have never dealt with such predatory, dishonest people in my life. They are running a highly coordinated financial scam designed to extract hundreds of euros from unsuspecting tourists through fraudulent "underside damage" claims.At drop-off, they hit me with an outrageous €300 charge for supposed "underside damage" after driving completely normally on standard roads. They literally forced me to look under the vehicle to point out tiny, fingernail-sized surface marks from ordinary road gravel—minor wear and tear that is mathematically impossible to avoid on the islands.Here is exactly how their scam works:The Pre-Existing Evidence Blunder: When I challenged the charge, the staff brought out their "original" check-in photos to prove the damage was new. The scam backfired spectacularly. Looking closely at their own photos, it was clear that the exact same scratches were already there before I ever touched the keys! They are willfully re-charging multiple customers for the exact same pre-existing wear.The Credit Card Insurance Trap: When they forced the charge onto my credit card, the agent actually said, "Don't worry, your credit card insurance will pay for it." This reveals their entire corrupt business model: they deliberately invent fake damage because they think tourists won't fight back if an insurance policy covers it. It is blatant fraud.They take advantage of the fact that you have a flight to catch to pressure and coerce you into signing. Do not risk your vacation or your money with them. Take your business to an honest, highly-rated local agency instead.I am currently filing a formal fraud complaint with the Portuguese economic regulators (ASAE) via the official Livro de Reclamações and initiating a credit card chargeback. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.