Pump Switching Scam: How To Avoid Being A Victim
A new kind of scam has been making waves in the United States lately. It’s called the ‘pump switching scam’. Drivers at gas stations are being approached by scammers who aggressively offer to help pump their gas. Once the fraudster has the pump, they’ll then use the original person’s still active transaction to pump gas for other drivers who pull into the station, in exchange for cash.
This scam is becoming popular and has been reported numerous times to the Police in the Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania.
How Does The Pump Switching Scam Work?
- The fraudster approaches a driver and offers to help pump gas
- If their offer is declined, they aggressively insist, leaving the driver no choice
- After filling up the tank, the con artist does not hang up the nozzle.
- They’ll then use the original person’s still active transaction to pump gas for other drivers who pull into the station, in exchange for cash.
What To Do If You’re Approached By A Pump Switching Fraudster
Once you’re approached by someone who offers to help you pump your gas, do this;
- Politely decline the offer
- If he insists, immediately hang up your gas nozzle
- Hit ‘end transaction’ on the pump’s keypad.
What To Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to this Scam
If you’ve encountered this incident at a gas station, you should remain on location in a safe area and call 911 so officers can respond immediately and assess if a crime has occurred.
