Money Watch

The rental car pitch: “If you have time and want to save on refueling charges, refill the car before returning it.”

The reality: That’s what the signs said at Budget Rent a Car’s rental counters, but that’s not how it worked in all instances, according to charges by the Federal Trade Commission. The government agency said Budget regularly tacked an extra fuel fee on rental cars that traveled less than 75 miles, even if they came back filled with gas. Customers, the agency said, were not adequately notified of the fee that amounted to about $10 per instance.

The outcome: Last week, the FTC announced that it had reached a settlement with Budget that requires the company to fully disclose any fuel-related charges to consumers. It further bars misrepresentations concerning any fees or conditions related to renting cars from the company. No monetary penalties were assessed. Budget did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Its executives could not be reached for comment.

The advice: Check those long receipts you get from car rental companies to make sure you’re paying the correct amount. If you think a company is overcharging, you can file a complaint at www.ftc.gov/ftc/cmplanding.shtm.

-- David Colker