What's the book corporate America doesn't want you to read? Find out now -- or you could get scammed.

Guilty!

December 12, 2006

The trial that no one outside of Montana seems to know about, or care about, wrapped up yesterday. In a second, I’ll tell you why you should be concerned about the outcome.

But first, to the verdict itself. Michael W. Ryan, former owner of Thrifty Car Rental who conspired with an auto glass business to overcharge for windshield replacements, was convicted Monday of all charges in a federal fraud case.

For anyone in the car rental business, the government’s case — detailed in a previous story — is a must-read. That’s also true for any car rental customer who wants to stay informed.

Whey should you care about what’s going on in a courtroom in flyover country? Because it is happening elsewhere. And it could happen to you the next time you rent a car.

The Ryan case is really just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Churning under a dark sea that is the car rental business, I believe, are dozens of other federal fraud cases waiting to be brought to trial.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

1 comment

  • john

    I picked up a rental car from alamo in orlando. I checked in at the counter and was told to go to the lot and pick out a car. I chose a chevy malibu and checked it carefully. I observed damage to both the front valance and the rear valance, no one was around to go over the damage with me. I took pictures before i got in the car. The people I observed walking around with alamo shirts were mexicans and when I attempted to get their attention they stated “no english senior” I drove to the gate and I told the girl at the both she said thanks fpr reporting the damage and she would take care of it. She never got out of the booth to look at the damage. I drove out the gate and called the 800 number and reported this damage and told her what happened at the airport. She assured me not to worry as I did the right thing. One week later I get a letter to pay for this damage, what a joke.

    Thanks John

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