Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff warns about gas pump scam

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, Md. – The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff is warning the public about a growing scam targeting gas stations, especially elderly individuals.

They said suspects are approaching customers and offering to “help” pump gas.

After the customer leaves, the scammer improperly hangs up the nozzle so the transaction stays active. They then use the victim’s credit card transaction to fill their own vehicles or even sell gas to others for cash.

Scammers are also using what has been called the “screw method,” where the suspect places small screw in the nozzle cradle so the pump does not properly reset to idle, allowing charges to continue on the victim’s card.

To protect yourself, police said you should politely decline help from strangers at the pump, make sure your nozzle is fully returned and the pump resets before leaving, make sure you get a receipt and report any suspicious activity at the gas pumps immediately.

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff urges you to share this information with your family, friends, young drivers and elderly loved ones.