The Fowlerville Police Department advises all drivers to carefully inspect the gas pump area before refueling.
This warning comes after authorities discovered a highly sophisticated fraud scheme that directly tampered with the pump's mounting bracket to profit from customers' expenses.
Specifically, according to police, the perpetrators used a drill to create a small hole in the pump's mounting bracket and then inserted a screw. This screw obstructed the safety latch.
The safety latch is a crucial component that signals when the pump is reattached after refueling. Because it was obstructed, the gas station's computer system was unable to recognize that the pump had been returned to its original position.
Police officials stated that this physical interference prevents the transaction of the customer who just refueled from automatically closing, leaving it open. As a result, when the next driver approaches, selects their fuel type, and begins refueling, the entire amount of fuel added to the previous customer's bill can be automatically charged directly to their account.
Furthermore, this tactic allows the perpetrator to return and profit. After the previous customer leaves without realizing their transaction is still open, the suspect can return to the gas station, remove the screw from the fuel dispenser, and refuel freely. The entire amount of fuel stolen will then be charged to the customer who refueled earlier.
To protect their own property, authorities recommend that people develop the habit of carefully checking gas stations before using them.
Consumers should avoid and absolutely refrain from conducting transactions at gas stations showing signs of tampering, unusual drilling marks, or any other signs of unusual interference around the pump nozzle support area.
Police emphasize that upon discovering any suspicious gas station or signs of tampering, people should immediately report it to the station staff for prompt action and move their vehicle to another gas station to ensure safety.