Viral gas station fraud could lead to fuel theft

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) – A possible scam is making the rounds on social media with users warning people to be extra careful when filling up their cars at the gas pump.

If you happen to notice a piece of paper towel in the gas pump nozzle, users say you can avoid potential gas theft and a significant charge on your credit or debit cards.

Kentucky-based TikTok creator Nelda Lowery posted a video of a gas pump she visited that had a piece of paper towel sticking out of the nozzle, and posted it as a warning to her followers, even if she wasn't entirely clear about it , what it could mean.

You can see her TikTok post below.

Commenters were quick to chime in and explain that this was a way to trick the pump into not completing the transaction when you were done filling up the tank.

““They are doing this to prevent the gas pump from completing the transaction,” one commenter explained. “They come in after you leave and pump fuel onto your card.”

“I ALWAYS hit the cancel button after I’m done with my transaction,” said another. “This also includes ATMs.”

It's not clear if this is actually the case – there isn't much evidence to support this claim, but gas theft is on the rise across the country.

According to Daily Dot:

One source, the website of LiveView Technologies (sales of monitoring devices at gas stations), claims that one in four gas retailers have reported an increase in thefts since last year. The article adds, “This loss amounts to $200 million for gas station owners across the country. “It’s a growing problem that affects small towns and big cities alike.”

It goes on to say: “Thefts can happen at any time of day and station owners are faced with the task of preventing losses in different ways.” Not surprisingly, the article points out the benefits of cameras and specifically states: “Video surveillance is always necessary, to have the best chance of a 360-degree view and 24/7 protection.”

Be careful on the pump

It's important to protect yourself from gas pump scams, as criminals often use card scanners or other tactics to steal personal information. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Choose the right pump: Use pumps closer to the station entrance as they are more likely to be monitored by staff and less prone to tampering.

Check the card reader: Before inserting your card, check if any card readers look loose, damaged or suspicious. Wiggle it slightly – if it moves, it could be a slotted spoon.

Use credit instead of debit: Credit cards offer more protection against fraud. If you must use a debit card, select “Credit” to avoid entering your PIN at the pump.

Use mobile payment apps: Many gas stations now offer mobile payment options via apps, which avoids the risk of physical card skimming.

Check for originality seal: Make sure there are tamper-evident seals on the pump. If the seal is broken or looks suspicious, do not use the pump.

Monitor account statements: Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unusual activity, especially after filling up.

By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of gas station fraud.