Gas Station Scam - How to Protect Yourself at the Pump

Protect yourself at the pump by knowing how these tricks work and what to look for:

1. Hidden Card Skimmers

• What they do: Scammers place fake overlays on the card reader or keypad to clone your credit/debit card data and record your PIN.
• How to spot them: Give the card reader a gentle tug. If it feels loose, bulky, or doesn't match the other pumps, avoid it. Always check for torn or voided tamper-evident security seals on the pump cabinet.
• Pro-tip: Use Contactless Payments (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) via your smartphone, as they generate secure, single-use tokens that can't be skimmed.

2. The Nozzle or "Screw" Method

• What they do: Authorities have issued warnings that thieves may jam a small screw into the nozzle holster. When you finish and replace your nozzle, the screw prevents the lever from closing, leaving the machine open for the next person to pump gas on your card.
• How to spot it: Inspect the nozzle cradle before you begin pumping. Ensure the pump clicks completely off when you return the handle, and double-check your transaction receipt or screen to confirm it has fully reset.

3. "Pump Switching" and Good Samaritan Scams

• What they do: An aggressive "helper" approaches to assist you with pumping gas, distracts you, and leaves the pump running after you drive away.
• How to spot it: Decline offers for help from strangers, and always stay by your vehicle while fueling.

4. Too-Good-To-Be-True Gas Offers

• What they do: Scammers offer to fill your tank for a steep cash discount (e.g., $20 cash for a $70 fill-up) using "their" card.
• How to spot it: These are almost always stolen credit or gift cards. Participating in this makes you an accomplice to theft.