Buzz
Recently, the Lower Marion Police Department in Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia, alerted the public about a growing scam. Unlike online scams, this one happens in real-time at the pump: it’s called ‘pump switching.’ Here's what you need to understand about this fraud and how to stay safe.
What Exactly is ‘Pump Switching’?
In the early days of car travel—and still today in New Jersey—gas station attendants were responsible for fueling vehicles. Although full-service stations still exist, most people now pump their own gas.
Therefore, if someone approaches you at a gas station offering to pump your gas, it could be unsettling—especially since, according to the Lower Marion Police Department, pump switching suspects are often ‘extremely forceful and will outright ignore attempts to refuse their help.’
According to police reports, the scam usually unfolds in one of two ways:
1. A customer pays at the pump using their credit card. The scammer then offers—or aggressively insists—to pump the gas for them or return the nozzle once they're done. Instead of putting the nozzle back, the scammer uses it to fuel their own car at the customer's expense.
2. The scam starts the same as the first scenario, but the scammer doesn’t return the nozzle after filling their own vehicle. Instead, they keep the nozzle active and offer to pump gas for others, requesting cash payments for the fuel. The scammer takes the cash and the original customer ends up paying for all the fuel.
How to Safeguard Yourself Against Pump Switching Scams
While it's uncertain just how widespread pump switching scams are beyond Pennsylvania, it's still a good idea to be aware of them. Luckily, avoiding this scam is quite simple.
Unless you're specifically at a full-service station or filling up in New Jersey, make sure not to let strangers pump your gas. Always return the nozzle yourself to end the transaction, and wait for the screen to prompt you about a receipt.
The police suggest actually obtaining a receipt as proof that the transaction has concluded. However, if you don't plan on doing so, at the very least, wait for the screen to revert to its welcoming message, indicating it's ready for the next customer.
If you or someone you know encounters this type of scam at the pump, here's what you should do, as advised by Det. Sgt. Michael Keenan of the Lower Marion Police Department: 'Drive to a safe distance. Call 911 if you're nearby or close to the gas station. Wait for authorities to arrive, and identify who took your gas nozzle or whom you suspect of scamming you.'
