Feeling like you're constantly dodging scams? Well, drivers, brace yourselves! There's a new trick in town, and it targets your wallet while you're simply trying to fill up your gas tank. It's a subtle scheme, but once you know what to look for, it's laughably obvious. And the worst part? It doesn't even involve stealing your credit card info; it just steals your money.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled and Your Wits About You!
Thanks to a sharp-eyed TikTok creator, we have a video that exposes this sneaky tactic at a Shell gas station. Megatron the Inventor (@user3766121563186), usually focused on, well, inventing, posted a video that's already racked up nearly 292,000 views.
In the video, which is captioned, "Warning, new gas pump scam, be alert this holiday," we see a close-up of a gas pump nozzle cradle. But, there it is: a construction screw.
So, what's the deal? The screw is strategically placed to prevent the pump from resetting once the nozzle is returned to its cradle. This means the next person can pump gas, and guess who's paying? You are! It's an easy thing to miss when you're just trying to get your tank filled and be on your way.
As Megatron the Inventor explains in the on-screen text, "...someone had put this screw on the left side of [the] pumps to lock it and the next person [will] fill up on your bill."
Always Wait for Your Receipt!
No one wants to unknowingly fund someone else's fill-up. The comments section, filled with helpful advice and the occasional "I told you so," is a goldmine of tips.
One user, Nekea, wisely stated, "Man I sit there and wait for my receipt and always make sure it goes back to the home screen." About 120 other users agree, with many suggesting paying with cash inside.
But here's where it gets controversial... Bree, who may or may not work at a gas station, made a startling comment: "Y’all have no idea what we find INSIDE the pumps. Just pay inside." When another user asked, "like what?" Bree never answered.
And this is the part most people miss... Some users aren't convinced this is a widespread issue. One commenter wrote, "I work at a gas station and it will time out if you’re no longer pumping gas." If the pump times out, the potential scammer is out of luck. Cecil Boyz echoed this point, writing, "Don’t pump reset once pump is put up (or as you close the flap) yes it does. This don’t make sense to me."
Does This Really Happen?
This is where things get a bit anecdotal. While no official reports of screw-tampered gas pumps have surfaced, internet evidence suggests it's worth a double-check to save your hard-earned cash.
One user posted a photo of a similar situation: a gas pump with a screw or bolt holding the pump lever down. The attendant confirmed it wasn't normal and found more nearby.
On a Reddit thread in r/Phoenix, someone posted an image of a gas pump with a screw embedded in the cradle, noting it was found on two pumps. They also mentioned needing to press hard to end their transaction.
'Tis the Season to Be Extra Careful!
With the holiday season in full swing, when we're all a bit more distracted, it's a good time to remember other potential scams. Jeff Rossen of Rossen Reports reminds drivers to watch out for:
- Pump Switching: Someone "helps" you pump gas but never resets the pump, letting you pay for more than you used.
- Overcharging: The gas station lists one price but charges more at the pump. Always check the price per gallon.
- Bluetooth Skimming: Scammers hide Bluetooth skimmers inside the gas pump. Check your phone for unusual Bluetooth devices before paying.
Screwy gas pumps or not, it's always wise to stay alert and check your receipts!
Motor1 reached out to Megatron the Inventor and Shell for comment. We'll update this if we hear back.
What do you think? Have you ever encountered anything like this? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below! Do you think this is a real threat, or an overblown concern?
