This could be the start of a new trend among thieves, so watch out the next time you’re at the gas station. Along with issues like siphoning and skimming, where one’s credit card information is ripped off, there have now been reports of thieves switching gas hoses in some areas of the country.
It’s a trick that has left drivers paying for a thieve’s gas without realizing it. Here’s how the scam works: A thief pulls up to a pump and parks, then grabs the gas nozzle from the machine on the opposite side of their car. They place the nozzle in their car’s gas tank, then take the nozzle on their side and place it on the opposite machine. When an unsuspecting driver pulls up, they swipe their credit card and think that their vehicle is being filled up, when in fact they’re actually filling up the vehicle opposite them. In the report below, it’s even said that these criminals are brazen enough to go up to the unsuspecting driver and distract them with small talk, stating things like how the person’s tire pressure looks a little low for example.
We haven’t heard any reports of this taking place in north Texas, but it’s a good idea to be aware. The next time you go to the pump make sure you’re filling up your car with the nozzle that’s actually on your side.
Categories:
News