Gas Pump Scams: How to Avoid Being Ripped Off at the Pump

Gas Station Inspections in NYC

• 🎯 New York City inspectors from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection test approximately 700 gas stations twice a year.
• ⚖️ These inspections ensure customers receive the correct amount of fuel they pay for, checking for gallon-for-gallon quantity accuracy.

Common Gas Pump Discrepancies

• 💰 Inspectors find instances where customers are "shorted," meaning they don't receive the full amount of gas paid for.
• 🏷️ Another issue is incorrect pricing, where the advertised price per gallon differs from the price charged, often due to misleading signage.
• ⛽ Occasionally, customers may pay for a higher grade of fuel but receive a lower grade, such as paying for premium but getting regular.

Preventing Skimming and Fraud

• 💳 Skimmers, electronic devices placed inside pumps to steal credit card information, are a significant concern.
• 🛠️ Inspectors check for any tampered seals or extra devices within the credit card processing area of the pump.
• 💡 To mitigate risk, customers are advised to jiggle the pump handle to ensure nothing is attached and to use tap-to-pay when available.
• 🔒 Always cover your hand when entering your PIN to prevent cameras from capturing it.

Verifying Charges and Reporting Issues

• 🧐 It's crucial to compare the price displayed on the pump with the price ultimately charged to ensure they match.
• 🧾 Always check your receipt to confirm you received exactly what you paid for.
• 📣 If you notice any discrepancies or suspect fraud, report it to 311.