You’ve heard about the robbery at the gas station? The guy called 911 to report a robbery at the local gas station. When the police got there, they asked him if he knew who did it. The victim swallowed and wiped his brow, shuddered, and said, “Yes. It was Pump Number 5.”
This is how we all feel when we get gas. I don’t go below half a tank because I don’t want to have to mortgage my house to cover the cost. I look at my Gas app to check fuel prices then arrange my route to make the most of my trips and end up close to the gas station with the least expensive gas. It’s an effort in organization!
If gas prices weren’t bad enough, scammers are tempting drivers with fake gas gift cards. Of course, they want our personal information and have no intention of giving away any free gas.
You may see a post on social media, you may get an email, or you make take a survey that says you’ve won a gas station gift card. (The BBB reports that the scam currently claims to be from Shell but warns consumers about scammers using other gas station brands.) It’s easy to cash in! All you have to do is pay a small fee (using your credit card). Consumers are reporting that much more than the advertised shipping fee is being charged to their credit cards.
The scammer may also ask for other personal information. The Better Business Bureau reports that some consumers have been asked to fill out a form that asked for their name, address, phone number, credit card information, and other personal data.
Never pay to win. The Better Business Bureau tells us that no company will ask you to pay to receive something you won or to get a free gift. Do your research. Go to the company’s website to see if they are offering a giveaway. Type the link in your browser – don’t follow a link. Don’t act on impulse. Don’t rush. Don’t fall into the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) mind-set.
Another scam that can increase the Pain at the Pump is skimming. Skimming is where a device which transfers data from the credit card is attached to the pump. Credit card skimmers work on chip-enabled cards but they read the magnetic strip on the card not the chip. Pay inside when possible. Use the chip reader if available. Use pumps that are in a visible part of the gas station. High visibility pumps are more difficult to tamper with. Examine the card slot to see if it matches the rest of the reader device.
Don’t add to the Pain at the Pump.
Stay safe.
