The Timberville Police Department warned of a scam that can be installed onto a gas pump with just a screw. (Timberville Police Department via Facebook)
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A Virginia police department is warning drivers about a new way scammers are trying to rip off people when they fill their tanks: the gas pump screw scam.
Big picture view:
The Timberville Police Department explained the scammers would place a screw or some other object in a fuel pump handle cradle. The item would block the pump from properly shutting off after someone fueled up and replaced the handle.
Why you should care:
With the pump still active, the scammers could pull up afterward and make their own fuel purchases on the victim’s credit or debit card.
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What you can do:
The police department recommends people check the pump before and after filling up whenever they stop for gas. If anything seems off or if the pump looks like it has been tampered with, drivers should not use the pump and notify the attendant immediately.
In a Facebook post, authorities also advise checking that the pump reads $0.00 before starting and making sure the transaction has completely ended before driving off.
What they’re saying:
The police department reminds everyone, “Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity can help protect you and others from becoming victims of this scam.”
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