Ghost pump: new gas station scam tricks consumers

A new scam has caught the attention of consumers and spread rapidly across social media in recent days, revealing a fraudulent practice at gas stations: the so-called “ghost pumps”.

A video shared on the internet shows a customer confronting a gas station attendant at a gas station, located in a supermarket chain in the Goiás region.

The reason for the discussion is the supply that is supposedly being done by a ghost pump.

Discover the scam known as ‘ghost bomb’

This is a trick used by some gas stations. fuels to deceive customers. They are led to believe that fuel is being pumped into the vehicle’s tank, when in reality there is no liquid coming out of the pump to fill the car.

In the video that went viral, the so-called ‘ghost pump’ is clearly in action: while the counter continues to spin, the customer asks the attendant to remove the nozzle from the vehicle’s nozzle. The employee is reluctant, but eventually gives in. However, she tries to turn off the trigger before completely removing the nozzle.

She argues that the fuel will spill onto the customer’s car, but he insists that she keep the trigger pressed, as the refueling should not be interrupted. When she removes the nozzle from the nozzle, the liter counter and the amount to be paid continue to increase normally, but no fuel is actually supplied.

In an interview with G1Douglas Rodrigues, the client who reported the blow, stated that this was the third time he had encountered the situation at the same station. He also mentioned that he had already alerted the establishment manager on previous occasions.

Faced with this recurring scam, the consumer made a better decision after becoming a victim of the ghost bomb: he tried to argue with the person responsible for the gas station, who was the manager, and got a discount on the amount to be paid due to the “technical problem”. Furthermore, he decided to seek help from higher authorities.

After being a victim for the third time on May 7th, the customer called the Procon of Goiás, the state’s regulatory body. Superintendent Levy Rafael Cornélio went to the gas station and notified the establishment, requesting the presentation of maintenance reports for the equipment, including the ghost pump in question.

Tests carried out to check the fuel capacity showed positive results. However, Procon cannot yet confirm whether an electronic device was used to alter the amount of fuel actually inserted into the tank, thus generating the ghost effect in the equipment.

As Procon does not have authorization to open the pump, the agency requested help from the Civil Police of Goiás and the case will be investigated by the State Department for the Repression of Crimes Against Consumers (Decon).

According to the G1other gas stations in the city were also reported for the same practice and will also be investigated.

Image: ALE Stations/Reproduction

What to do when you encounter a ghost bomb?

Given this alarming discovery, consumers should be vigilant when refueling their vehicles. It is essential to check that fuel is actually being supplied and to monitor the pump meter throughout the refueling process.

Suspicious cases must be reported to the competent bodies, such as Procon, so that appropriate investigations can be carried out and fraud can be combatted.

This scam reinforces the importance of monitoring and involving consumers in the fight against fraudulent practices at gas stations.

Transparency and trust must be fundamental pillars in the relationship between establishments and consumers. It is necessary to be vigilant and report any irregularities to ensure an honest and safe supply for everyone.