CEBU CITY – Mayor Nestor Archival warned car rental operators to be vigilant against organized groups involved in vehicle theft operations or “rent-tangay” here.

Archival said the scam has affected several businesses.

“There is this rent-tangay scam where some people rent a car with no intention of returning the vehicle,” Archival said.

Once a vehicle is rented, it will be sold using falsified documents, Archival said. “Several businesses have already been affected by the scam,” Archival added.

To address the matter, the city government has coordinated with the Highway Patrol Group- Central Visayas and other police units to strengthen monitoring operations.

Efforts will also be made to ensure the recovery of stolen vehicles, Archival said. “As your mayor, we will not take this for granted,” said Archival.

Authorities warned that people involved will be penalized under Republic Act No. 10883 or the Anti-Carnapping Act.

The warning came after a car dealer was abducted near Miranza Center in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, on May 11.

The incident initially believed to be kidnapping turned out to be a P1.8-million vehicle transaction. A video of the incident showing a man being forced to board a van went viral on social media. The victim was later found alive in Naga City, Cebu.

Police said that the man in the video was the owner who tried to get back his vehicle rented by another person.

Archival advised car rental owners to be more careful when dealing with renters.

“Verify the identification of the renter. Install GPS trackers in your units and do not release the vehicle without necessary requirements,” the mayor said.