Beware of Dumpster Rental Scams: How to Protect Yourself
- David Garrison
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Renting a dumpster should be a simple process—find a trusted company, schedule delivery, and get your project rolling. Unfortunately, scammers have found a way to take advantage of unsuspecting customers by posing as “dumpster rental brokers.” These scams often leave customers out of money and legitimate companies unpaid. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Dumpster Rental Scam
1. False Listings
Scammers create fake ads on popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. They advertise dumpster rentals at slightly lower prices than the competition—cheap enough to draw attention, but not so low that it seems unbelievable.
2. Booking & Payment
When you reach out, the scammer quickly asks for payment through apps like CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle. These payment methods are often non-refundable and make it nearly impossible to get your money back once it’s sent.
3. The “Broker” Trick
Behind the scenes, the scammer pretends to be a middleman. They use stolen credit cards to book an actual dumpster from a real waste company, requesting immediate delivery.
4. Delivery & Deception
The dumpster shows up at your property as expected. You believe you’ve paid for the service. The rental company thinks it received legitimate payment. Everyone seems satisfied—until the fraud is discovered.
5. The Chargeback
Once the true owner of the stolen credit card reports the fraud, the payment is reversed. The rental company is left unpaid, and the customer is left without a dumpster they unknowingly didn’t pay the legitimate company for. At this point, confusion and disputes often follow.
How to Protect Yourself
✔ Avoid CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle payments – A legitimate dumpster rental company will accept credit cards or checks directly through their business, not through peer-to-peer apps.
✔ Check the company’s website – Always verify that the business has an official website with a physical address and working phone number.
✔ Call directly – If you see an ad online, pick up the phone and call the company. Scammers often avoid direct calls or give vague answers.
✔ Look for consistency – Does the price seem too good to be true? Is the contact pushing for fast payment? These are red flags.
✔ Read reviews – Reputable dumpster companies usually have a history of reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
Final Thoughts
Dumpster scams are on the rise, but with a little awareness, you can protect yourself. Always deal directly with the company, verify their information, and use safe payment methods. If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away.
At Advantage Waste Disposal, we pride ourselves on being Reliable. Affordable. Local. If you ever have questions about pricing or want to confirm you’re booking with the right team, give us a call directly—we’re here to help.
