Potential scam by fuel retailers?

StuBeeDoo · Post by **StuBeeDoo** » Sun Oct 02, 2022 10:18 am

We've just got back from holiday. During the course of the jaunt, I had the misfortune to be the victim of what I suspect to be an attempted scam by a fuel station. This is how it went down:-

Pulled-up at a vacant pump, went through the usual motions. Inserted the pump nozzle in the tank neck and waited, like you do, for the pump to start.
.......And waited.
.......And waited.
Eventually, I put the nozzle back in the pump and went to the kiosk to enquire as to the problem.

"You have to pay for the fuel you've had before you can have a second lot"!
"But I haven't had a first lot! Can you clear the pump, please?"
"Not until you pay".
"I don't have anything to pay for, I've been waiting for you to start the pump."
By this time I'm getting ragged.
"I can't clear the pump until you pay for the fuel you already took".

So I went back to the car, replaced the cap, and went to find another fuel station.

I'm just about to e-mail their local Plod, just in case they've reported me for theft.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sun Oct 02, 2022 10:48 am

That’s novel! Any idea how much they say you owed them?

Could be a bilking before you turned up and the operator wasn’t paying attention, or as you say a scam.

StuBeeDoo · Post by **StuBeeDoo** » Sun Oct 02, 2022 10:55 am

X5Sport wrote: ↑Sun Oct 02, 2022 10:48 amAny idea how much they say you owed them?

TBH, I didn't notice. I've related the incident to Dorset Plod now. It will be interesting to read their reply, whatever it is.

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Sun Oct 02, 2022 11:42 am

The inventiveness of the criminal mind is often impressive, such a pity its with dubious intentions and not applied to more constructive use.

I wonder what the boys in blue will make of it?

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Sun Oct 02, 2022 10:00 pm

I hope cctv will prove you didn't get any fuel otherwise it could get tricky

Alan Gunn · Post by **Alan Gunn** » Mon Oct 03, 2022 5:04 am

Nice try but do they think anybody will pay them.
I would chase the plod up on it make sure.

StuBeeDoo · Post by **StuBeeDoo** » Wed Oct 05, 2022 8:10 am

StuBeeDoo wrote: ↑Sun Oct 02, 2022 10:55 amIt will be interesting to read their reply, whatever it is.

......And this is the reply.........

If it is the case the garage has reported you for fuel bilking then you would receive a letter through the post as they would have provided your vehicle registration plate. I would suggest if you receive a letter to call the fuel station to discuss.

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Wed Oct 05, 2022 8:32 am

A curious non committal response, not in the least helpful. Did you fill up after this event and keep the receipt?

StuBeeDoo · Post by **StuBeeDoo** » Wed Oct 05, 2022 9:02 am

I thought it was rather non-committal too.
I eventually filled-up 60+ miles away, and paid cash. As such, no receipt.

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Wed Oct 05, 2022 9:13 am

StuBeeDoo wrote: ↑Wed Oct 05, 2022 9:02 am I thought it was rather non-committal too.
I eventually filled-up 60+ miles away, and paid cash. As such, no receipt.

That's a pity

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Oct 05, 2022 5:48 pm

If the ‘problem’ garage has CCTV then that could help any defence.

Round here Tesco’s pump printers are all busted. Can’t get a receipt other than by going in. Annoying as the pumps are now Pay at Pump lanes.

Alan Gunn · Post by **Alan Gunn** » Thu Oct 06, 2022 5:54 am

Typical plod not interested by the sounds of that reply.

StuBeeDoo · Post by **StuBeeDoo** » Thu Oct 06, 2022 2:11 pm

Alan Gunn wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 5:54 amTypical plod not interested by the sounds of that reply.

Indeed.

But I feel that I've covered my arse by initiating correspondence.

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Thu Oct 06, 2022 10:58 pm

X5Sport wrote: ↑Wed Oct 05, 2022 5:48 pm

Round here Tesco’s pump printers are all busted. Can’t get a receipt other than by going in. Annoying as the pumps are now Pay at Pump lanes.

round here Tesco pay at pump declines the cards of biggest bank here in Norn Ireland , fed up with going in shop so now go to Asda instead plus it's 10p/L cheaper as Tesco hasn't dropped their price much at all

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