The Northlake Police Department has issued a warning about a new scam targeting gas station customers through a simple but effective method involving a screw jammed into the gas pump nozzle cradle.
What happened
In the scam, criminals insert a small screw into the groove where the gas pump nozzle rests. This screw blocks the nozzle’s lever from closing properly after a customer finishes fueling. As a result, the pump continues to register as active and charges the driver’s card even though they have completed filling their tank.
While the previous customer leaves, the scammer then fills their own vehicle from the same pump. Because the pump’s system still thinks the original user is fueling, the thief’s fuel costs are billed to that unsuspecting customer’s payment method.
The Northlake Police advise drivers to visually inspect the nozzle cradle for screws before starting to pump gas. They also recommend waiting until the pump screen resets fully—indicating the transaction is complete—before driving away. The screen typically asks if the user wants a receipt or returns to zero.
Additional safety tips include listening for the nozzle to click securely back into place and printing a receipt to verify the billed amount. Customers are advised to decline assistance from strangers offering to hang up the nozzle, as this could be part of the scam.
If a gas pump appears to be jammed or tampered with, police urge customers not to touch it but to immediately notify the station attendant so the pump can be secured.
Anyone who suspects they have been victimized by this scam should contact the Northlake Police Department and their bank or credit card provider to report unauthorized charges.
Why it matters
This scam exploits common trust and routine while fueling, potentially causing financial loss to motorists. It is a low-tech technique yet difficult to detect without careful inspection, highlighting the importance of consumer vigilance at gas stations.
Public awareness and quick action can help prevent further victimization and assist law enforcement in responding promptly to such fraud attempts.
Background
Gas pump scams have been reported periodically at various locations, often involving skimming devices or tampering with payment systems. The screw method is a more rudimentary but effective version that does not require advanced technology, making it harder for officials to track and prevent.
Local police departments like Northlake’s continue to issue warnings to educate residents and mitigate the risk of these scams affecting more consumers.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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