A gas pump scam reported in Michigan is a good reminder to slow down for a few seconds before pulling away from the pump.
Watch for This Gas Pump Scam Before You Drive Away
Fraudsters may place a small screw, bolt, or object in the fuel pump handle cradle. This can prevent the pump from fully resetting after a person finishes fueling. If the transaction stays active after the driver leaves, the scammer may use the same pump to add more fuel purchases to the original card transaction.
That means the victim may not notice the problem until they review their account and see a charge that is higher than expected.
How the Gas Pump Scam Works
- You pay at the pump and finish fueling.
- The pump handle does not fully reset because something is blocking the cradle.
- Your transaction may stay open instead of ending properly.
- After you leave, the scammer uses the same pump to add more fuel to your transaction.
- The final posted charge may include fuel you did not purchase.
How to Help Protect Yourself at the Pump
- Make sure the pump transaction has ended before you leave.
- Wait for the screen to return to the welcome or start screen.
- Check that the pump handle is seated properly in the cradle.
- Look for anything unusual near the pump handle, card reader, or screen.
- Use tap-to-pay or a mobile wallet when available, but still confirm the transaction has ended.
- Report anything suspicious to the gas station attendant before leaving.
- Monitor your account regularly through online or mobile banking.
What to Do If You Notice a Suspicious Gas Charge
If you see a gas station charge that looks wrong, review the final posted transaction. Some fuel purchases may first appear as a temporary authorization hold before the final amount posts.
If the final posted amount includes fuel you did not purchase, contact People Driven Credit Union as soon as possible. We can help review the transaction and walk you through the dispute process if needed.
You can also use the MyPDCU app and online banking tools to monitor transactions, check your account activity, and watch for charges you do not recognize.
Stay Alert for Evolving Fraud Tactics
Fraud tactics change often, and gas pumps can be an easy target because many transactions happen quickly and without an attendant nearby.
A few extra seconds at the pump can help protect your money. Before you drive away, make sure the screen has reset and your transaction has fully ended.
For more tips, visit PDCU’s Fraud Alerts page.
John Scharff is the Digital Marketing Lead at People Driven Credit Union, where he helps create clear, practical financial content for members and the communities PDCU serves. He focuses on making financial topics easier to understand, from loans and savings accounts to digital banking, fraud prevention, and everyday money management.
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