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Scam Alert: Watch Out for These Restroom Trailer Rental Inquiries

If you operate a restroom trailer rental business, you know how valuable each new lead can be. But lately, there’s been a rise in fraudulent inquiries targeting trailer rental companies, and they’re getting increasingly more sophisticated.

We’ve received several reports from rental operators who nearly fell victim to these scams. Below, we break down two real-life scam attempts and share red flags to look out for, along with actionable tips to protect your business.

Real Example #1: The “Cleaner Payment” Scam

A restroom rental company received what looked like a legitimate inquiry for a film shoot. The prospect asked for a trailer with multiple stalls, air conditioning, lighting, and electrical outlets, everything you'd expect from a genuine customer.

But after some back-and-forth, the red flags appeared:

“We would like to request that you facilitate payment to the cleaner I have hired and add their fee of $2,850 to the total invoice. They only accept payments through Zelle, Cash App, or Chime.”

This tactic is designed to trick your business into paying a third-party “cleaner” that doesn’t exist.

Real Example #2: The Local Imposter

In another case, a scammer requested a trailer for an event at a familiar local park. The details looked believable, such as dates, location, and services needed.

But when the rental company followed up and even contacted the local park, they confirmed that no event was scheduled at that location. A quick search also revealed that the “renter” had no online presence and was using a suspicious email address.

The scammer’s next move? The same one as before: asking the trailer company to pre-pay a vendor via Venmo or Cash App.

What These Scams Have in Common

• Requests to pay third parties (like cleaners or coordinators) upfront
• Use of cash transfer apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, Chime) with no business safeguards
• Slightly odd or generic email language
• References to real but misused event locations to build false trust
• A rush to confirm and pay quickly, often bypassing contracts or standard procedure

How to Protect Your Business

1. Never Pay Third Parties on Behalf of a Customer
Legitimate clients will handle their own vendor payments. If someone asks you to send money to a cleaner, coordinator, or other third party, it’s almost certainly a scam.

2. Avoid Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps for Business
Don’t use Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or Chime for any vendor payments. These platforms often lack certain buyer protections.

3. Verify Event Details
If an inquiry references a local park, venue, or event, do your homework. Contact the venue directly to confirm that the event is real and that the person inquiring is actually coordinating it.

4. Look for Language Cues
Scammers often use slightly off language, such as odd grammar, over-eagerness, or vague details. Trust your instincts if something feels “off.”

5. Request a Phone Call or ID
Scammers typically avoid live conversations. If you’re unsure about a lead, ask to speak by phone or request a copy of a permit or ID. A real client should have no issue with this.

Key Take Aways

These scams are unfortunately becoming more common. As restroom trailer rental companies continue to grow and gain visibility, so does the risk of being targeted by fraudsters. Stay alert, and put solid lead vetting procedures in place. Educating your team on the warning signs of suspicious inquiries can make a big difference in protecting your business.