Consumer Alert: A blanket of snow can lead to this common car rental scam

Don't get dinged by one of the oldest "gotchas" in the rental playbook.

Heavy snowfall has blanketed much of the country this winter, creating picturesque landscapes — and unexpected problems for travelers. For Judd Curran, a Hertz rental car covered in snow turned into a $3,000 problem.

His story is an important reminder that when you can’t get a clear picture of your rental car, things can easily go wrong.

You’re reading the Elliott Confidential Consumer Alert, available exclusively to subscribers. Thank you for your support.