Prevent bad rentals

Require current identification on all rentals.  

• Scan the renter’s valid, current state-issued license or ID and be wary of out-of-state IDs. 
• For non-local renters: Ask what rental branch or dealer the customer uses in his/her hometown and contact that company for its history or knowledge of the individual, including a description, Mossman notes.
• Authorized purchasers: Make it a policy with sales and counter staff to enforce the purchaser list and keep those lists up-to-date with your clients.

Confirm the customer's story. 

• Confirm the job address and business or home address. A quick Google search can verify that an address actually exists.
• Ask for the contractor or client's contact information and call to verify that the customer is actually working on the job and that this is a legitimate job site.

Do not assume a credit card of check is legitimate just because it gets an approval. 

• Know what the card terminal authorization codes mean.
• Verify the authorization or charge with the bank.
• Don't accept a card with a conflicting billing address.
• Verify that the imprinted card number matches what the card reader produces.
• Have a procedure in place if the card is stolen, counterfeit and must be retained.

Pay attention to your intuition and be wary of:

• An out-of-state license or temporary ID.
• Checks from out of the area or from a business that does not generally rent equipment.
• Vague job site addresses and employer information.
• Customers willing to provide a substantial cash deposit.
• Customers who have more than one credit card declined or someone who wants charges spread over several cards.
• Phone-in credit card transactions for a previously unknown customer.
• Use of prepaid debit cards.