IMPORTANT VIDEO -- Warning about new scam while pumping gas

[TexasTowelie]

This scam can happen anywhere. See video at

http://wn.ktvu.com/Clip/11452947/santa-rosa-warning-about-new-scam-while-pumping-gas#.VUpte40HJEY

Brief description: Scam artists switch the hoses at gas pumps from one side to the other. While you think that you are filling up your gas tank the gas goes into the vehicle of the scam artist. Make sure that you check the gas hose to verify that it is delivering gas to your vehicle and do not leave your vehicle to attend to other matters (bathroom breaks, cell phones, etc.)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I stand by the pump when I get gas, always.

I haven't seen this scam, but I appreciate the heads-up.

I think I would notice if the pump were not registering the gas flowing into my car. I do stand there and watch it.

I also carry my purse, since I've read that thieves can steal it from the passenger side of the car when you leave it there.

[SheilaT]

2. A couple of observations.

Anyone who doesn't notice that the gas pump in front of them that pump in front of them isn't giving information that matches their own gas pumping, is rather unobservant. This scam also depends on some pretty close timing, which is a bit odd. The thief has to time things so that they are on the other side of the pump exactly as you are pumping gas. Which means, they have to prepay or insert a credit card on their side of the pump, so that you are also pumping gas. And in the example shown, the guy on the other side simply starts pumping gas without inserting a credit card, or going inside to pay for gas. I almost always pay cash myself, so I'd hope this wouldn't happen to me. I also never walk away from my car while pumping gas.

[A HERETIC I AM]

3. No, they don't have to prepay on their side.

That's the whole point.

They have stretched the hose from YOUR side over to their side of the pump. You insert your card, they put YOUR hose in their car and when you turn on the pump on your side, they are filling their car. The hose in your car isn't pumping anything.

This "scam" relies on the fact that many people tend to be unobservant morons.

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. The victim has a dead hose in their tank, right?

Can't they feel from the hose that no gas is going in?????
When I gas up, the hose has rhythmic pumping feel in my hand.

[A HERETIC I AM]

15. Yes, of course.

You're exactly right. You can feel the fuel flowing, so you have to either not be touching the handle or , as I said, unobservant

[99th_Monkey]

5. +100 my sentiments exactly nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. Why not worry in Oregon???? n/t

[Angleae]

9. It's illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon.

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. I had not heard of that.....

do you mind telling me the reasoning behind that law?

[Angleae]

11. Honestly, I couldn't tell you why?

But I've driven through the state many times and even lived there for a few months, even have some relatives living near Medford. It's always been the law. There are a few exceptions, like grange members (like my brother), but they can only pump from grange pumps.

[dixiegrrrrl]

12. So I did the Google, and the answer surprised me.

Both New Jersey and Oregon have that law, stemming from 1949/'51, when there were gas station attendants, in what used to be called
"full service stations". They would pump your gas, wash your windshield, check the oil, etc.
( that last of the stations to do that in my town closed 2 years ago>

Maybe it was a move to keep attendant jobs...


http://mentalfloss.com/article/18812/why-cant-you-pump-your-own-gas-oregon-and-new-jersey

[smokey nj]

16. Or NJ!

[Sherman A1]

6. Interesting

I usually fill up on the way to work in the very early AM and there is rarely anyone else nearby, but nevertheless it is wise to be observant and be aware of things about you at all times.

[MineralMan]

14. Can't happen to me. I swipe my card

and fill my tank without ever leaving the immediate area of the pump. I don't even wash my windows until the car is full. Since I keep my car washed, I rarely have to wash windows anyhow.

I can't imagine walking away from the pump while gas was flowing. Dangerous.