Avis uses thumb printing to reduce rental fraud

Avis UK is boosting security at its Stansted Airport rental station by asking customers to leave their thumb print when renting a vehicle.

As part of a major security drive, Avis is working with local police and other car rental companies based at Stansted on a scheme to help prevent fraudulent rentals occurring at the airport.

The scheme requires all rental customers to leave a thumb print with their rental agreement when collecting their car. The thumb print not only acts as a deterrent to those who feel they may be able to commit a crime when renting a car, but those who do leave their identity and therefore can be traced.

Stuart Gent, Avis managing director explains: "Fraudulent rental transactions are a concern throughout the country. Fraudsters may attempt to rent a car either using a stolen or cloned credit card or driving licence without the intention of returning the vehicle."

"Through participation in the Stansted trial, Avis is helping the industry stay ahead of the fraudsters."

Critics of the system claim it is an invasion of privacy, however Avis do not store the thumb print permanently and will not use the customer’s print in any way unless a crime is perpetrated.

"Customers’ reaction to the trial at Stansted will enable us to look into standardising this practice across all our rental stations. It is currently working very well and has been generally well received by our customers," said Gent.