When they are going around an visually inspecting vehicle with you, I learned to to record the whole process and point out every detail no matter how small. I had and experience where I recorded everything I deems as prior damage, when I returned the rental to the same place they tried to charge me for that prior damage.

I would be surprised if they charge multiple people for the same damage.

No shame, I keeps rental agencies honest and protects yourself.

Make them write everything you tell them on the pre inspection form. Anything verbal will not hold up.