Watch out: e-Toll scam at Avis Denver Airport (DIA)

Rented from Avis at DIA in May 2026. Agent "Mo" told me the toll thing was usage-based: the transponder detects toll usage, and only charges if you actually drive on a toll road. Sounded fine, agreed. Never used a toll road the whole trip (went to Rocky Mountain NP, not central Denver). The day after returning the car, I got hit with $230.92 on my Amex, labeled only as "Non Pkg Items," with no breakdown.

Turns out he enrolled me in "e-Toll Unlimited" at $11.99/day flat for 6 days, regardless of use. Avis offers two products: Standard ($6.95/day, only when you actually use a toll) and Unlimited (a flat daily fee). Mo described Standard, billed me Unlimited. Customer service confirmed in writing: "We do not calculate the number of tolls used or verify whether they were used."

This is not new. Avis Budget settled a $45M class action over the exact same practice in 2022 (Mendez v. Avis Budget Group).

If this happened to you: demand an itemized invoice, file an Amex chargeback citing services not as described, and file a free complaint at stopfraudcolorado.gov. After pushing back with the precedent, Avis caved and offered a refund. Decline ALL toll add-ons at the counter; you can pay tolls directly to the authority for way less if you accidentally use one.