Pump change: Police warn drivers of growing scam at gas stations

Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania — Drivers are being warned about pump switching, a gas station scam that has become a growing trend.

Police in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, say the crime occurs when an aggressive suspect offers to help someone pump gas.

“Suspects are often very aggressive and flatly refuse the victim’s attempts to deny them help,” Lower Merion Township said. police said in a Facebook post.

The victim leaves, but the scammer does not put the nozzle back into the pump.

Instead, the scammer uses the active transaction to pump gas for other drivers, while demanding money for the gas.

The suspects then kept the money and left the gas station, police said.

Police say most victims don’t realize this crime took place until days or even weeks after the incident.

Anyone experiencing a pump change should call 911.

To protect yourself, police recommend hanging your own gas nozzle to end the transaction and print a receipt.