TOURISTS OR EXPATS BEING RIPPED OFF

 When we get to Spain we have to present our card so that the money for the cost of the hire can come out of the card when we get home.  Hence they have got our number and have automatically put this 400 euro on our card for damage they are saying we did to the car, which we did not.  We book over the internet and have always done it this way and never been caught before.

OK guys, this is getting boring, even for me, so I guess a lot more for a lot of others too. So no more from me on THIS SAME matter

(I hereby rest my case, unless you want to send me a private messaghe and save every one's  sanity)

(I hereby rest my case, unless you want to send me a private messaghe and save every one's  sanity)

No thanks Johnzx - don't think us lesser mortals could stand anymore of your condescending self righteous explanations on the obvious, even by PM

The woodbug

 Johnzx you're sooo wrong, if you look on Dickmanns website blog you will see how many people this has happened too.  We think the only reason they have given the money back is because our friend, who looked into it for us, is an influential person  also living in Spain and not some poor sap who has come back to England, and therefore cant follow it up in Spain and thinks can't be bothered!!!

Where "ripping off" does take place - the world over, I suspect - is when a shopkeeper, market trader or barperson operates two tariffs; one for locals and one for strangers.

It has been apparent to me over four decades of visiting and now living in Spain that this happens in some establishments, particularly in tourist areas. It used to annoy me a lot and I'd kick up a fuss - now I just don't go back to that place again.

Interestingly, there is one cafe where I pay more for coffee when I'm with my obviously foreign wife, than when I'm on my own. I haven't stopped going there, however, cos the coffee is good, it's a nice place to sit and watch the world go by and it's only a few cents difference. (Still bugs me a bit though, I must admit).

Another possible example of ripping off, or should I say "rounding-up". Have you noticed how things tend to cost round numbers, ie 20, 30, 40, 50 euros, especially when we're talking about tradesmen and no factura is involved?

 One that has been caught out you mean, 

Norma,  I hope the car hire company don't read this forum or you may find yourself in court.      Criminal libel is actionable in Spain just like in the UK and nobody is invisble on the internet.

Hello, just thought I'd add my tuppence worth if for no other reason than to keep our "condescending self righteous" friend from getting bored

Nobody has mentioned so far that much of the time what seems to be a case of ripping off punters is simply of case of lazy, stupid innumerate individuals not actually being capable of working out the correct change. This has happened to me countless times here; I could just about bear it, if when errors are politely pointed out, a polite apology was offered, but usually it just illicits a sullen and grudging acknowledgement, followed by a slinging of the money owed. Some people just seem to resent being reminded that they're thick!

By the way: could have, would have, should have - NOT of 

Hi John,

No, what I am saying is, IT is a SCAM

you put your shopping through, the assistant tells you the amount, you put your card and pin in the machine, machine accepts payment.  Assistant then tells you the card hasnt gone through so you pay cash which he/she pockets - so you pay twice.

Irrespective of what the till receipt says, most people would tend to accept the card has been declined - could be a problem with the bank/machine whatever but rather than be embarrassed they stump up the cash - especially the elderley and therefore end up paying twice (once to the shop and once to the assistant)

Unfortunately, not everyone in this world doubts the assistant who is serving you

You don't have to take my word - google and I'm sure you will find this does indeed happen

Best regards