General Discussion

A scammer approaches you at the pump and offers to help with your gas. Whether you accept or not, the goal is the same: get control of the nozzle and avoid properly returning it when you're done.

That leaves your credit card transaction active. The scammer then turns to the next driver who pulls in, offering to fill their tank for $20 cash. They pocket the money while your card absorbs the charges — and they won't stop until either the pump shuts off or your card hits its limit.

Police in Lower Merion Township, outside Philadelphia, have warned that scammers can be aggressive and may physically grab the nozzle from victims who try to turn them away.

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How to protect yourself

Police and consumer protection experts recommend a few steps to avoid becoming a victim.

Make sure you're the one returning the nozzle to the pump and closing out your transaction — either by hanging it up yourself or pressing the "end transaction" button on the keypad. Grab a receipt before you leave. Using a mobile payment option like Apple Pay or Google Pay can also add a layer of protection, since the transaction is tied to your device rather than an open card reader.

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