Common fraud

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, fuel prices have risen particularly high. If that is why many motorists are forced to reduce the number of trips in order to spend less, others have chosen a slightly different strategy. Indeed, some people with bad intentions implement sometimes very cunning techniques tofraudulent drivers and make money behind their backs. And some techniques are especially difficult to notice, even if it is important to know them in order not to fall into the trap. We suggest you open some of the most common ones to quickly and easily identify them. The first is simply to interfere with the pump. Some fraudsters modify the fuel pumps to deliver less fuel than indicated. They use electronic or mechanical devices to reduce the actual amount of fuel removed. To avoid this, always check that the pump counter starts at zero before you start filling the tank.

Several techniques

But that’s not all, because some methods are even crazier and require incredible logistics just to fool motorists. Indeed, criminals create fake gas stations in isolated locations. They install fake pumps and sell low-quality or diluted fuel. To avoid this scam, choose well-established service stations that are frequently visited. It remains rare, but it’s better to be careful! Criminals also install skimming devices at card terminals at gas stations. These devices store your credit card information during payment. To protect yourself, always scan your device for unauthorized access and check your bank statements for suspicious activity. Finally, some gas stations mix fuel with water or other substances to increase profits. This can damage the engine and reduce its efficiency. To avoid this fraud, choose verified service stations and give preference to big brands.

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