Seasoned drivers know a few tricks of the trade, yet scammers keep inventing new money schemes. Staying alert is essential to protect wallets and peace of mind.
1. The so‑called rubber gas tank
Some gas stations let the pump show more fuel than actually goes into the tank. The dashboard gauge might creep beyond the true capacity, and some fuel clings to the nozzle. In rare cases, this can be intentional fraud aimed at siphoning extra money from customers.
What can a consumer do to avoid being fooled? In practice, catching a deliberate overfill requires knowing the exact amount of fuel in the tank before fueling begins. A safer approach is to refuel from a standard metal canister in controlled experiments, but that method is not practical for everyday use. The best defense is to choose fuel outlets that are part of established chains or trusted franchises, and to be wary of smaller, unknown stations.
2. We refuel you while you stay in the car
It is convenient to stay in the car while someone else handles the pump. Some tanker services operate this way and may also employ tricks that result in delivering less fuel than what the gauge indicates.
How to prevent deception? The simplest rule is to take control of the fueling process yourself, or at minimum observe the tanker’s actions closely to ensure the pump is delivering the correct amount.
3. No change for change
When paying with a large banknote, the cashier may claim there is no change. While this seems like a minor issue, it can translate into a meaningful loss over a busy day for the business and for customers who miss the real value of their payment.
What steps help prevent this trick? Before visiting a station, exchange a large bill for smaller denominations. If paying with cash, consider buying a precise number of liters rather than refilling to the last drop of the note. The most secure method is to pay with a credit card, which provides a clear record of the transaction and reduces the risk of shortchanging.