Question about trusting cheap tour deals from people you meet abroad
I had a close call with a "budget" day trip organized by someone at my guesthouse... They promised a full itinerary for half the price of agencies, so a few of us signed up. Turns out, the guide was unlicensed and the transport broke down, leaving us stranded. We had to pay extra for a ride back, which wiped out any savings... Always ask for licenses and read reviews from past groups before joining. It might take a bit more time, but it saves money and stress in the long run. Don't let a friendly face trick you into a bad deal...
You're right to warn people about this. My friend got stuck in a similar mess with a minivan that had no real insurance. Checking for a proper license is the most basic step everyone should take.
Learned this the hard way when I rented a SUV last year. The guy showed me a fake insurance card and I didn't check his license. Had a small crash and found out there was no coverage. @danielblack is right, always check the license first to avoid messes.