Texas Drivers Warned About Potential Gas Pump Scam – Watch for This Sneaky Trick

HOUSTON, Texas (KPEL News) - A potential gas pump scam is making waves on social media, and Texas drivers may want to pay close attention.

The warning comes after TikTok creator Nelda Lowery, from Kentucky, posted a video showing something suspicious at a gas station—a bit of paper towel stuck in the gas pump nozzle.

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While Lowery didn’t know exactly what it meant, her video quickly went viral, with many commenters jumping in to explain.

You can see her TikTok post below.

Commenters were quick to hop in and explain that it's a means of tricking the pump into not ending the transaction when you're done filling the tank.

"They do that to keep the pump from ending the transaction," one commenter explained. "They will come in after you leave and pump fuel on your card."

"I ALWAYS press the cancel button after I’m done with my transaction," another said. "That includes ATMs."

Though there isn’t solid evidence to back up this specific method, it has sparked concern as gas theft is on the rise across the U.S. According to reports, gas station owners have seen significant losses in the past year, with an estimated $200 million worth of fuel stolen.

According to the Daily Dot:

One source, the LiveView Technologies site (selling surveillance equipment to gas stations), claims that one in four gas retailers reported an increase in theft since last year. The article adds, “This loss amounts to $200 million for gas station owners across the country. It is a growing issue that affects small towns and big cities alike.”

It goes on to say that “theft can happen at any time of the day, and station owners are faced with preventing loss in a variety of ways.” Not surprisingly, the article points out the advantage that cameras provide, specifically saying, “Video surveillance is always required for the best chance of a 360-degree view and protection around the clock.”

For Texas drivers who frequent busy gas stations, particularly along highways and in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, this warning is especially relevant. Gas prices continue to fluctuate, and scams like these only add to the frustration of filling up.

If you see anything unusual at the pump—like paper towels in the nozzle—it’s best to cancel the transaction and report it to the station immediately. Always press the cancel button after fueling up, and keep an eye on your bank statements for any unusual charges.

Stay vigilant, Texas!

Be Careful at the Pump

Protecting yourself from scams at the gas pump is important, as criminals often use card skimmers or other tactics to steal personal information. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Choose the Right Pump: Use pumps closer to the station entrance, as they are more likely to be monitored by staff and less likely to be tampered with.

Inspect the Card Reader: Before inserting your card, check for loose, damaged, or suspicious-looking card readers. Wiggle it slightly—if it moves, it could be a skimmer.

Use Credit Over Debit: Credit cards offer more protection against fraud. If you must use a debit card, choose "credit" to avoid entering your PIN at the pump.

Use Mobile Payment Apps: Many gas stations now offer mobile payment options through apps, which avoid the risk of physical card skimming.

Check for Tamper Seals: Look for tamper-evident seals on the pump. If the seal is broken or looks suspicious, don’t use that pump.

Monitor Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity, especially after fueling up.

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By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to gas pump scams.