Gas pumps target of new tampering scam, consumer experts say

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Gas prices continue to be a hot topic, but the price at the pump isn’t the only thing that could separate you from your money.

The town of Timberville released a statement on social media from the Timberville Police Department warning drivers about “gas pump screw scams.” Police say scammers can use something as simple as a screw hidden inside the nozzle cradle to keep the pump running after a transaction.

Julie Wheeler, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving western Virginia, said checking the pump before and after you fuel up could make the difference in keeping your credit card information safe.

“[Check] whether the pump has been tampered with or that kind of thing,” Wheeler said. “They have gotten so much more sophisticated over the years.”

Wheeler said what’s new about the screw scam is that it goes beyond a more common skimmer at a gas pump.

“What has been seen are people trying to make sure that the transaction doesn’t finish, so that they can come in behind and continue that transaction and charge it to you,” she said.

Wheeler said that before you stop to get your gas, be particular about where you decide to do so.

“Don’t go to the furthest pump, because those are ones that are most likely to have been messed with — not close to where the attendant can see what’s going on," she said. “Get your gas somewhere closer to where the attendant is.”

Wheeler said that digital payment information can often become compromised, so she encourages drivers to monitor their financial activity after making a transaction to help better protect their money.

“If your card has the ability to be locked when you’re not using it, that’s a great way to keep unauthorized charges from taking place,” she said. “Check your credit card statements regularly. Get online access and look every day for charges, or shut it down. ... That’s going to help you tremendously from having issues.”

She also said consumers should be a little more selective about what card they use, saying credit cards are a better choice when at a gas pump.

“Debit cards, you typically, if you have a fraudulent charge on there, can get your money back, but that money comes out immediately, and then you have to get it back,” she said. “A credit card, if you have a fraudulent charge, you haven’t paid it yet typically, and you can dispute the charge and not have to pay it.”

If you notice anything unusual around a gas pump, officials say to stop fueling and notify the station attendant immediately, and if you suspect a gas pump is being tampered with, call law enforcement.

Anthony Ramsey, program manager for the Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Office of Weights and Measures, which handles gas pump inspections, suggests drivers make sure the transaction is finished before driving away. Drivers should be aware as they begin a transaction and ensure they get a receipt that signals the transaction is over, or check whether the screen at the pump has reset, Ramsey said.