Pump Switching Scam
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
Pump Switching Scam
Just when you thought you've heard of all the scams.....
https://www.fox29.com/news/police-wa...l-gas-stations
https://www.fox29.com/news/police-wa...l-gas-stations
Police warn of 'pump switching' scam happening at local gas stations
Police warn of 'pump switching' scam happening at local gas stations
Published September 18, 2023 7:52PM
Updated 10:46PM
Montgomery County
FOX 29 Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA - Authorities in Montgomery County are warning drivers of a growing scam called "pump switching" that could cost victims big bucks.
The Lower Merion Police Department said the crime happens when a suspect approaches a victim and offers to help pump their gas.
When the victim tries to deny assistance, police say a suspect will often act aggressively and physically take control of the gas pump nozzle.
When the victim leaves, police say the suspect will intentionally fail to return the nozzle to the pump in order to keep the transaction going.
Police say the suspect uses the still-active nozzle to pump gas for following customers and requests that they pay in cash. They will keep the cash and leave the gas station before police are able to respond, according to police.
Most victims, according to police, are unaware of the costly transaction until days or weeks after the incident happened.
The Lower Merion Police Department wants anyone who believes they are encountering "pump switching" to report it immediately from a safe location.
Police remind drivers they are able to protect themselves by properly hanging up the gas pump nozzle, or hitting "end transaction" on the pump's keypad.
It's also recommended that drivers print a receipt at the pump or get one from inside the station as proof of their transaction.
Updated 10:46PM
Montgomery County
FOX 29 Philadelphia
Police warn of 'pump switching' scam happening at local gas stations
Authorities in Montgomery County are warning drivers of a growing scam called "pump switching" that could cost victims big bucks.PHILADELPHIA - Authorities in Montgomery County are warning drivers of a growing scam called "pump switching" that could cost victims big bucks.
The Lower Merion Police Department said the crime happens when a suspect approaches a victim and offers to help pump their gas.
When the victim tries to deny assistance, police say a suspect will often act aggressively and physically take control of the gas pump nozzle.
When the victim leaves, police say the suspect will intentionally fail to return the nozzle to the pump in order to keep the transaction going.
Police say the suspect uses the still-active nozzle to pump gas for following customers and requests that they pay in cash. They will keep the cash and leave the gas station before police are able to respond, according to police.
Most victims, according to police, are unaware of the costly transaction until days or weeks after the incident happened.
The Lower Merion Police Department wants anyone who believes they are encountering "pump switching" to report it immediately from a safe location.
Police remind drivers they are able to protect themselves by properly hanging up the gas pump nozzle, or hitting "end transaction" on the pump's keypad.
It's also recommended that drivers print a receipt at the pump or get one from inside the station as proof of their transaction.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Yep.....that was exactly my first thought, too.
I'm generally not a fan of New Jersey's No-Self-Service law at the pump (which is actually right across the river from Philadelphia), but I'll admit that it may (?) help to keep scams like this from happening if authorized station-employees are the only ones who can pump the gas.
Last edited by mmarshall; Sep 20, 2023 at 02:56 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I'm assuming they didn't physically steal the card itself, since it was apparently given back to you....you would have noticed it if they did not give it back. More likely, they just jotted-down the credit card number and charged things fraudulently after you left. Happens all the time....that's why you are usually out for only the first $50-60 on a fraud...and, with some cards, less than that.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,073
Likes: 3,868
From: Maryland
I'm assuming they didn't physically steal the card itself, since it was apparently given back to you....you would have noticed it if they did not give it back. More likely, they just jotted-down the credit card number and charged things fraudulently after you left. Happens all the time....that's why you are usually out for only the first $50-60 on a fraud...and, with some cards, less than that.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 17,910
Likes: 1,702
From: Ohio
Yep.....that was exactly my first thought, too.
I'm generally not a fan of New Jersey's No-Self-Service law at the pump (which is actually right across the river from Philadelphia), but I'll admit that it may (?) help to keep scams like this from happening if authorized station-employees are the only ones who can pump the gas.
I'm generally not a fan of New Jersey's No-Self-Service law at the pump (which is actually right across the river from Philadelphia), but I'll admit that it may (?) help to keep scams like this from happening if authorized station-employees are the only ones who can pump the gas.
More regulations and rules do nothing to address this.
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