There’s a new scam thieves are pulling at gas pumps around the US and it’s real low tech.
The scammers will jam a small screw into the nozzle cradle of a gas pump. Then they’ll park a short distance away, waiting for someone else to pull up and buy gas. When they hang the nozzle back, the screw blocks it from closing. So, the pump thinks you’re not done filling up. You’re payment card is still active.
The thieves wait for you to drive away, then pull up and fill their tanks on your card.
I haven’t heard about this happening in Lincoln, but it’s always smart to be aware just in case.
So, always wait for the pump to ask if you want a receipt and choose before you drive off. That ends the transaction.
Also, listen to make sure that the nozzle clicks back into place. And, after you’ve removed the nozzle from the cradle, look to see if something is jammed in there.
As prices go up and possible shortages, there will probably be a lot more of this kind of thing happening.