BEWARE: A NEW FUEL STATION SCAM IS TARGETING YOU!

Written by Daniel Falade

Fuel stations across Nigeria are becoming breeding grounds for fraudulent activities, and motorists are the ones bearing the brunt.

These scams are often subtle but have a significant impact on unsuspecting customers. One such scam that has recently raised alarm involves a motorist who stopped at a fuel station intending to purchase 20,000 naira worth of fuel.

While keeping a keen eye on the fuel meter, he noticed an odd jump in the price from 16,500 naira to 20,000 naira. He was only able to spot this anomaly because he avoided the distractions commonly employed by attendants to divert customers’ attention.

After pointing this out to the attendant and insisting on speaking to the manager, the latter pressed the recall button, which revealed the correct price of 16,500 naira.

While the incident raises questions about the attendant’s actions, it remains unclear whether they were acting independently or in alliance with station management.

Regardless, this serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to remain vigilant and question any irregularities at fuel stations.

SIMILAR FUEL STATION SCAMS STORY AROUND THE COUNTRY

This incident is not an isolated one. Fuel stations across Nigeria have been involved in similar fraudulent activities. A notable case occurred in Ekiti State, where three fuel attendants were arrested for embezzling 7.92 million naira from their station.

The attendants had been tampering with fuel pumps, diverting fuel sales into their own pockets. Such scams have become a serious concern, affecting both consumers and station owners who are unwittingly dragged into the fraud.

Another incident happened in an Ekiti local town where the petrol attendant, after dispensing fuel to a customer, opened up the front part of the dispenser and altered the meter so he could sell the right amount of fuel to another customer whom he considered a dear friend.

This case highlights the intentionality of this fraudulent act and how much it’s been normalized.

OTHER COMMON TRICKS AT FUEL STATIONS

Fuel scams aren’t always as direct as the meter manipulation described earlier. Many stations use subtle tactics to overcharge or shortchange customers.

One of the most prevalent tricks involves “shortchanging,” — where attendants stop the fuel pump just before the meter reaches the requested amount. This often goes unnoticed unless the consumer is vigilant.

Another common practice is overcharging for fuel. In some cases, stations inflate the fuel prices or charge customers for more fuel than is dispensed. These practices are frequently facilitated by distractions such as friendly banter or requests for unrelated tasks, which divert the customer’s attention from the pump.

Some fuel stations also blend low-quality fuel with better grades, leading to engine damage that isn’t immediately detectable. This “blending” scam harms consumers in the long term, even if it seems to provide a short-term gain in cheaper fuel prices. For instance, some motorists in Lagos have reported engine problems that were traced back to purchasing from stations known to engage in this practice.

As these scams become more sophisticated, consumers must stay alert when refueling. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Monitor the Fuel Meter: Always keep an eye on the fuel meter and the total price. If the price jumps unexpectedly, ask the attendant to explain.
2. Avoid Distractions: Don’t let the attendant distract you with non-fuel-related questions or requests.
3. Demand Transparency: If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to ask the manager or press for clarification. Insist on using the recall button to verify the correct price.
4. Report Fraud: If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities. Your vigilance could help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
5. Refuel in Trusted Locations: Stick to well-known, reputable stations whenever possible, especially in areas known for high levels of fraudulent activity.
   By staying informed and cautious, motorists can protect themselves from the growing trend of fuel station scams. It’s time to put an end to these unethical practices by holding both station management and attendants accountable for their actions.