Be Careful at the pump

[wavery]

I went to the gas station this morning. I put my credit card in the machine, the nozzle in my tank and walked in to get a cup of coffee.

When I got back, I noticed that the amount was $42.60. I thought that was a bit much but put the handle back in the pump and got my receipt. I got back in the truck and found that my gage was still below 1/4 tank. I went to the clerk and got a shoulder shrug.

I went across the street and filled up. Then I realized what may have happened. The guy in the aisle next to me (the other side of my same pump) had a big SUV. When I got there, he was fiddling with his locking gas cap. I didn't think much of it and went off to get my coffee. I think that guy reached across and took my nozzle and stuck it in his tank. While I was standing in line to pay for my coffee, he filled his tank. When I got back, that lane was empty.

It isn't worth getting myself all upset but it is a lot more than a $15 hamburger and I didn't even get any soup :p . I just thought that I would make you guys aware. I called the police and was told that is a common scam.

I leave my car unattended all the time, when I fill up. I close the door and lock it but never even dreamed of someone swiping my nozzle and putting it in their tank :banghead: .

[AustinBoston]

The guy in the aisle next to me (the other side of my same pump) had a big SUV. When I got there, he was fiddling with his locking gas cap. I didn't think much of it and went off to get my coffee. I think that guy reached across and took my nozzle and stuck it in his tank. While I was standing in line to pay for my coffee, he filled his tank. When I got back, that lane was empty.

That was the first thing in my head...someone ripped off your gas at the filling station.  :mad:  It ticks me off when someone thinks it is OK for them to steal.  Not a surprise that the thief was suspicious of others (locking gas cap).

That would be very unlikely to happen around here.  Because of fire & environmental safety laws, most stations will sut off your pump if you walk away from it.  I've never had them do that to me, but they've done it to PJay three times.  Once, she was just going to get a windshield washer from the next pump!

Austin

[wavery]

That was the first thing in my head...someone ripped off your gas at the filling station.  :mad:  It ticks me off when someone thinks it is OK for them to steal.  Not a surprise that the thief was suspicious of others (locking gas cap).

That would be very unlikely to happen around here.  Because of fire & environmental safety laws, most stations will sut off your pump if you walk away from it.  I've never had them do that to me, but they've done it to PJay three times.  Once, she was just going to get a windshield washer from the next pump!

Austin

Now that you mention it, California used to require stations to remove the lever that allows the nozzle to work automatically. It's just been the last few years that they have been back on, in most stations. I guaranty you, I will never leave the car again..

I think the guy picked this station because it is the cheapest station around, most people pay cash and they have a mini-mart inside. That leads to standing in the (1) cashier line for a long time. I'll bet this guy works that station all the time. I feel like going down to the police station and talk to a detective. On the other hand, they probably have other things to do, other than to protect people from their own stupidity (like me ).

[GeneF]

Wavery

Sorry it happened to you but thanks for the heads up.

Many of the gas stations around here have removed the clip that allows you to fuel automatically.

I prefer the stations that allow you to pay-at-the-pump.

[wavery]

Wavery

Sorry it happened to you but thanks for the heads up.

Many of the gas stations around here have removed the clip that allows you to fuel automatically.

I prefer the stations that allow you to pay-at-the-pump.

I did pay at the pump......my mistake was walking away and leaving the nozzle unattended. Had I prepaid inside, it wouldn't have happened. I would have paid for my coffee at the same time and stood there while the gas pumped.

the same thing could have happened if I set it up and went to the restroom. I'll bet the guy even had a spotter to signal him when I was about to return.

[Dray]

The guy has a big SUV but not enough money to put gas in it.  Makes sense.  NOT  

Reminds me of when I see people driving around an old beat up Mercedes.  WHY?  

I used to ask people the following question and was always amazed by their answer.  What would you rather have, a 15 year old Mercedes or a brand new Hyundai?  Everyone always says the Mercedes.

[wavery]

The guy has a big SUV but not enough money to put gas in it.  Makes sense.  NOT  

Reminds me of when I see people driving around an old beat up Mercedes.  WHY?  

I used to ask people the following question and was always amazed by their answer.  What would you rather have, a 15 year old Mercedes or a brand new Hyundai?  Everyone always says the Mercedes.

It was like a late 80's black Suburban. I remember what the guy looks like too. If I thought that it would do any good, I'd go back and ask to see the tapes from their security cameras. However, I think that it would just be another frustration. The police as much as told me that they wouldn't waist their time on it and I don't feel like getting all worked up over it.

[Old Goat]

Sorry to hear that you had to pay $42.60 to learn a lesson that most people are well aware of without cost. I never use the auto fueler and would never leave one if I did. They are not foolproof and don't always shut off when the tank is full. If left unatended, the overflow can cause a very dangerous fire situation very quickly. Many stations remove them and they are banned in some states for this reason...

[fallsrider]

I use the auto-filler, but I never go more than just a few feet from it, usually to the driver's door of the car. They can malfunction, and you can end up with gallons of raw gasoline on the ground, a situation that is pretty frightening to think about.

Another safety tip at gas stations is to not get into your car while it is filling, then get back out and grab the gas nozzle. Static electricity has ignited a few fires over the years with people who have done that. For those of you in colder climates who need to sit in your heated car while the pump is dispensing gas, at least touch the sheet metal of your car real good, after you're standing on the ground, before grabbing the nozzle again. I'll usually put my hand on the metal 3 or 4 times just to make sure I don't have any static electricity built up in me.

[AustinBoston]

If left unatended, the overflow can cause a very dangerous fire situation very quickly.

I believe it is more of an environmental issue than a fire issue.  Although a fire is possible, once spilled, an environmental problem is a certanty.  Some of the stations around here have signs saying that if you spill gas, you are responsible for the hazmat response.  None of them say anything about a fire response.

Austin

[Dray]

Another thing that can happen at gas stations is this.  While filling up your car the theif drives up on the passenger side and opens passenger side door and reaches in and gets your valuables.  Usually it happens to women driving a big SUV.  Reason is because the big SUV hides the theif on the other side and usually women put their purse on the front seat somewhere.  I actually saw a video of this.  The theifs drove up and got the womans purse in a matter of about 30 seconds or less and she had no clue even though she was standing right there.

Be aware of your surroundings.

[ScoobyDoo]

be another frustration. The police as much as told me that they wouldn't waist their time on it and I don't feel like getting all worked up over it.

   Around here the cops won't waste any time over sombody stealing gas from YOU but if the clerk at Quick Trip reports a drive off they might get half a dozen cars involved in hi speed chase ending when the thief crashes into a dumptruck. Owner had to fix his own truck, but at least it wasn't a car load of kids.

[robpoe]

The police as much as told me that they wouldn't waist their time on it and I don't feel like getting all worked up over it. Around here the cops won't waste any time over sombody stealing gas from YOU.

Alright, officer Joe.  Thanks for your time.  I'm going to go set up surveillance and when I see that SOB doing it again, since you're too busy to FIGHT CRIME, I will personally go and beat the living snot out of the bastard.



When my house was burgularized last year, I told the officer who responded "I hope you catch the SOB first."

He said "Why?"

I said "Well, you see, if I catch him, you won't get him.  I'll tie him up in the garage.  Spread eagle, to each of four corners.  Three times a day I'll go out and kick him in the crotch a couple of times.  Then,"

and I paused and looked at him for effect, and winked.

He said "I hope we do."

Basically, what I'm saying it's these asshats that mess it up for the rest of us.  I'm a nice guy normally.  But when I see someone stealing/whatever it really upsets me.

[Old Goat]

Alright, officer Joe.  Thanks for your time.  I'm going to go set up surveillance and when I see that SOB doing it again, since you're too busy to FIGHT CRIME, I will personally go and beat the living snot out of the bastard.



When my house was burgularized last year, I told the officer who responded "I hope you catch the SOB first."

He said "Why?"

I said "Well, you see, if I catch him, you won't get him.  I'll tie him up in the garage.  Spread eagle, to each of four corners.  Three times a day I'll go out and kick him in the crotch a couple of times.  Then,"

and I paused and looked at him for effect, and winked.

He said "I hope we do."

Basically, what I'm saying it's these asshats that mess it up for the rest of us.  I'm a nice guy normally.  But when I see someone stealing/whatever it really upsets me.

Just don't ever let your anger get the best of you. Holding and beating a crook after the fact can get you in alot of trouble. Kidnapping, assault with intent to injure, kill, etc, plus the crook can lay a very large lawsuit on you.......

[brainpause]

Just don't ever let your anger get the best of you. Holding and beating a crook after the fact can get you in alot of trouble. Kidnapping, assault with intent to injure, kill, etc, plus the crook can lay a very large lawsuit on you.......

Apparently, he can even sue if he breaks into your garage, gets locked in, and all he has to eat is dogfood. See #3 here:

http://www.snopes.com/legal/lawsuits.asp

OK, OK, so it is false. But it makes for a good story, and a head-shaker at the thought that...it could happen.

Larry