Fraud Prevention Guidelines

Fraud is an unfortunate reality in our industry. As technology advances and equipment becomes more valuable and easier to resell, your rental inventory becomes a target for dishonest individuals. At InsureMyEquipment.com, we take fraud seriously, and we’re committed to combating it. We encourage you to join us in protecting your valuable assets.

What We’re Doing:

1. Multi-Point Vetting System: InsureMyEquipment.com employs a multi-point vetting system to detect fraud. We utilize a third-party service to conduct background and document checks.
2. Unique Verification & QR Codes: Our insurance certificates feature a unique verification & QR code. Your staff can input this code to validate coverage 24/7. Certificates submitted without these codes are not valid, and equipment should not be released to those customers.
3. Identifying First-Time Customers: First-time customers are clearly indicated in insurance certificate emails and on the certificates themselves. Please implement stringent vetting protocols for these customers, as we cannot verify their rental history.
4. Industry Affiliations:com is a sponsor of ESTA and a member of PERG Rental Guard. We regularly report suspicious customers and monitor notifications from other submissions.

What Rental Houses Should Do:

1. Require ID for Rentals:
   • Ensure the ID matches the person picking up the gear and the name on the policy and rental.
   • Consider investing in an ID Verification System like Blockscore, Stripe Verification, Been Verified, etc.
   • Request multiple forms of ID for suspicious customers.
2. Avoid Shipping to First-Time Customers:
   • Always require first-time customers to pick up equipment in person.
   • Especially avoid shipping to first-time customers in another state.
3. Ask for Industry References:
   • Check online platforms like IMDB, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for their presence.
   • Request industry referrals and teacher references if dealing with student renters.
4. Policy Holder Pickup:
   • Only release gear to the person listed on the policy.
   • If under a company name, ensure the pickup person is listed as the policy contact and provides valid proof of employment.
5. Credit Card Verification:
   • Ensure the credit card is valid before releasing equipment.
   • Check that the card’s address matches the policy and rental contract.
6. Identify Strange Behavior:
   • Watch for renting multiple expensive items at once, refusal to provide project details, lack of knowledge about rented gear, or last-minute rentals.
7. Identify High-Risk Rentals:
   • Be cautious with walk-in first-time customers renting for the same day or short-term policies.
8. Communicate with Other Rental Houses:
   • Reach out to local rental houses to share information about suspicious customers.
9. Register Equipment:
   • Register your equipment online at websites like Lenstag.com or Photo.net/registry to make it easier to locate if stolen.
10. Join ESTA.org:
    • As a member of ESTA’s Rental Guard program, receive notifications about theft attempts and submit suspicious activities or theft to warn others.

By following these guidelines, you can help prevent fraud and protect your business and assets.