13 hours ago - Economy

Thieves put the screws to gas pump customers

Joann Muller

Close-up of a green gas pump nozzle attached to a black ribbed hose, mounted at a fueling pump with a blurred blue background. — Photo: David Swanson/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There's a growing scam at gas stations that could leave drivers paying hundreds of dollars for fuel they never pumped.

Why it matters: Sharply higher gas prices appear to be inspiring thieves to invent new schemes to manipulate pumps and drain victims' wallets.

How it works: A scammer quietly places a small screw or bolt in the nozzle cradle so the pump doesn't properly shut off after use.

That keeps the transaction open, allowing charges to pile up on the victim's card long after they've driven away.

A variation of the scam involves a stranger offering to help an elderly customer by pumping their gas for them.

After the customer leaves, the scammer improperly hangs up the nozzle so the transaction remains active and they can fill up other cars.

Police have issued warnings in a number of states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, Arizona and Texas, and it's believed to be spreading nationally.

How to protect yourself: Beware of helpful strangers, make sure the nozzle latches fully and get a receipt of the transaction.

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Thieves put the screws to gas pump customers

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