A new tampering scam is reportedly popping up at some gas pumps. Here’s what experts say to look out for

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV/Gray News) — While high gas prices continue to be a concern for many drivers, police are warning people about a new scam that could cost them even more at the pump.

A police department in Virginia is warning drivers about “gas pump screw scams.”

The Timberville Police Department said scammers can use something as simple as a screw hidden inside the nozzle cradle to keep the pump running after a transaction.

Then the scammer will be able to fill up their own tanks and gas cans while the pump is still running on the customer’s dime.

Julie Wheeler, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving western Virginia, said checking the pump before and after drivers fuel up could make the difference in keeping their credit card information safe.

“[Check] whether the pump has been tampered with or that kind of thing,” Wheeler said. “They have gotten so much more sophisticated over the years.”

Wheeler said what’s new about the “screw scam” is that it goes beyond a more common skimmer at a gas pump.

“What has been seen are people trying to make sure that the transaction doesn’t finish, so that they can come in behind and continue that transaction and charge it to you,” she said.

Wheeler said that before you stop to get your gas, be particular about where you decide to do so.

“Don’t go to the furthest pump, because those are ones that are most likely to have been messed with — not close to where the attendant can see what’s going on," she said. “Get your gas somewhere closer to where the attendant is.”

Wheeler said that digital payment information can often become compromised, so she encourages drivers to monitor their financial activity after making a transaction to help better protect their money.

“If your card has the ability to be locked when you’re not using it, that’s a great way to keep unauthorized charges from taking place,” she said. “Check your credit card statements regularly. Get online access and look every day for charges, or shut it down. ... That’s going to help you tremendously from having issues.”

She also said consumers should be a little more selective about what card they use, saying credit cards are a better choice when at a gas pump.

“Debit cards, you typically, if you have a fraudulent charge on there, can get your money back, but that money comes out immediately, and then you have to get it back,” she said. “A credit card, if you have a fraudulent charge, you haven’t paid it yet typically, and you can dispute the charge and not have to pay it.”

If you notice anything unusual around a gas pump, officials say to stop fueling and notify the station attendant immediately, and if you suspect a gas pump is being tampered with, call law enforcement.

Anthony Ramsey, program manager for the Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Office of Weights and Measures, which handles gas pump inspections, suggests drivers make sure the transaction is finished before driving away. Drivers should be aware as they begin a transaction and ensure they get a receipt that signals the transaction is over, or check whether the screen at the pump has reset.

Real problem or just a hoax?

Despite warnings from police and the Better Business Bureau, information from Snopes said the apparent gas pump screw scams are just a viral hoax.

“The people and organizations promoting the unsubstantiated warning failed to cite any credible, verified reports of criminals using screws to defraud consumers at gas pumps,” Snopes reported.

A Facebook post from the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office that initially warned drivers about the scam has since been updated to say that the claims were unfounded.

“The Office of the Sheriff is pleased to share that at present time reports of screws being placed at gas pumps in Queen Anne’s County for fraudulent purposes have been determined to be unfounded. Additional claims at other gas stations in QAC remain under review,” the Facebook post read.

One viral video showed a screw on a gas pump at a Shell station. A Shell spokesperson told Snopes the company is not aware of any reported incidents, and added, “As a standard safeguard, our fuel pumps are designed with an automatic shut-off feature that ends a transaction after a period of inactivity.”

Snopes also contacted numerous oil and gas corporations as well as law enforcement offices about the reported screw scam. Every company they contacted, including Phillips 66, Conoco and 76, said they had not received any reports of such activity.