Police warn of new scams at unmanned gas stations

It's happening in the US now, but it could happen here too

Police in the US warn of a new method used by scammers at unmanned gas stations. For the time being, there are no reports from the Dutch police that this is also happening here, but in theory it would also be possible here. It is such a striking way of scamming that we doubt whether people will actually fall for it, but apparently in America they will.

The criminals first very kindly offer to help you refuel. Let's be honest: who does this? If you say thank you for this, they will use a compelling or even threatening tone. A slightly more subtle approach is that they offer to hang the filling hose back for you when you're done. They take the fuel nozzle from you and wait until you get in and drive away.

Other cars are refueled on your account

You can kind of fill in what happens next. Because they never hang the hose back, the refueling has not yet ended. The scammer waits until the next car comes to refuel and then offers to fill up the car for a low amount. The scammer gets some cash and fills the car of the next customers on your account.

Police in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, are talking about a growing trend. We cannot imagine that there is no one who would trust this situation, but we can understand that people feel pressured. Especially if it happens in the evening and you are the only one (along with the scammers) at the gas station.

Also read: Watch how a Dutch tourist falls victim to the 'Italian scammer trick'

Okay, so someone offers to fill up for you at an unmanned gas station, so don't do that. If they leave you no choice, call the police. Conversely, if someone is at the gas station and offers to fill your tank for some cash, don't do so.

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