Apex Dumpsters Blog

Renting a dumpster should be a straightforward process, but unfortunately, scams and fraud are on the rise, particularly through social media platforms like Facebook and payment methods like Zelle. These scams can leave you out of money and without the dumpster you need for your project. Here’s how to identify common scams, protect yourself, and make sure you’re renting from a legitimate company.

Common Dumpster Rental Scams

Dumpster rental scams often involve fake companies or individuals posing as legitimate businesses. They typically offer very low prices, quick service, and ask for upfront payments, only to disappear after receiving the money. Here are a few common tactics scammers use:

1. Too Good to Be True Prices: Scammers often lure victims in by advertising extremely low prices that seem too good to pass up. If a deal seems much cheaper than other companies, it could be a red flag.
2. No Business Information: Many scam ads do not provide clear business names, addresses, or phone numbers. Instead, they use personal profiles or fake business pages to communicate.
3. Request for Payment: Scammers will ask for payment usually through non-secure methods like Zelle, cash, or gift cards. They may request that you send payment to a different person instead of the contact listed on their ad or on Facebook.
4. No Contract or Paperwork: Legitimate dumpster rental companies should provide a contract outlining the rental terms. Scammers often skip this step and rely on verbal agreements or informal communication.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to dumpster rental scams, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Research the Company: Before making any payments, do your research. Look for a company website, physical address, and customer reviews. Check third-party review sites like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify their legitimacy. Avoid companies that only operate only through social media or personal accounts without a clear business presence.
2. Be Wary of Facebook Ads and Marketplace Listings: While many legitimate businesses use Facebook for advertising, it’s also a hotbed for scams. Scammers may post fake listings or ads for dumpster rentals. Always cross-check the information provided with official websites or business directories.
3. Avoid Payments via Zelle: Zelle is a peer-to-peer payment system that transfers money directly between accounts, offering little protection if a scam occurs. Be cautious if a company insists on payment through Zelle. Use secure payment methods, such as credit card with direct invoice links or client portals, which offer buyer protection in case of fraud.
4. Ask for a Written Contract or Service Agreement: A trustworthy dumpster rental company will provide a contract or a service rental agreement that includes the rental terms, pricing, and delivery details. If a company refuses to give you a written agreement or seems vague about the terms, consider this a major red flag.
5. Look for Transparent Pricing: Scammers often promote extremely low prices to draw customers in, only to add hidden fees later or disappear altogether. A legitimate company will provide clear, upfront pricing that includes all fees and costs associated with the rental. If something seems unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed breakdown.
6. Contact the Company Directly: If you find a rental ad on Facebook or any other platform, call the company directly through their official contact number, not the one provided in the ad. Verify that they have the advertised offers and pricing.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a dumpster rental scam, here’s what you should do:

• Report the Scam: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state’s attorney general, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If the scam occurred on Facebook, you can also report the post and account directly to the platform.
• Contact Your Bank: If you’ve sent money via Zelle or another payment method, contact your bank immediately. While Zelle offers limited buyer protection, some banks may still be able to assist you in stopping the payment or recovering your funds.

Dumpster rental scams are becoming more common, especially through social media platforms like Facebook and payment methods like Zelle. By doing your research, avoiding upfront payments, and ensuring you receive a contract with transparent pricing, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these frauds. Always choose a reputable, established company with a proven track record to ensure a hassle-free dumpster rental experience.

Apex Dumpsters is locally owned and operated. We are ready to provide a dumpster for your project in Apex, Cary, and the surrounding Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area! Please call/text our customer service team at 919-607-6670. You can also visit our website at www.apexdumpstersinc.com for more information on our services and to book online!