BajaNomad

NEW GAS STATION SCAMS!

Udo - 5-28-2014 at 07:37 AM

I read this on the Baja Pony Express:
http://thebajaponyexpress.com/2014/May/1984--052814.htm












Courtesy of the www.BajaWesternOnion.com our neighbors to the west

Gas Station Scam! - this is not rumor. A local Pemex station is now copying the scams in Cabo stations by flipping the meter on/off/on and changing the amount. They do it real fast when you are not looking. Last week my wife filled up her car and they charged her for 32 gallons. The cars max is 23 gallons. You have to stand and watch them 100% of the time. -- name withheld by request

Editor's Note - Resetting the pump has been widely reported here and elsewhere, and is unfortunately a common ploy that can occur at any gas station anywhere in Mexico. One variation is for the attendant to set the meter to 100 pesos and then pretend to pump gas without actually doing so. He then asks for the $100 pesos, even though you may have asked him to fill your tank. He'll then offer to fill your tank and add the amount onto the $100 pesos for the phantom gas he did not pump. If you are at all in doubt, our advice is to make sure the meter is set to "00.00" and then continue to watch to ensure the attendant squeezes the pump lever and that the meter really is running. If the attendant attempts to block your view of the meter, you're being scammed.

Another tactic is for two or more attendants to divert your attention by offering to wash your windshield, check your tire pressure or radiator water. If you think you're being ripped off, ask the attendant for his name, ask for a receipt, ask to see the manager, and then report the incident. If you're uncomfortable with confronting a Ladrón (thief), take the information and receipt to the Policia and file a complaint. If enough people complain, this can be stopped.

You should also report violations to PROFECO. PROFECO is the Mexican Better Business Bureau, and has an excellent website where you can enter claims against a gas station or other business. To file a complaint in English, click here: profeco.gob.mx/formas/f_3i_quejas.htm. . There are also two Email addresses where you can voice your complaint; extranjeros@profeco.gob.mx and denunciasgasolina@profeco.gob.mx. You should include the State and City, the Station Number, and Station Name. Get the receipt or nota from the station to have the correct and complete name. Without a formal complaint, your problem will fall on deaf ears just like anywhere in the world. Documentation counts, and it works.

Also, one tip is to print out the PROFECO LOGO and attach it inside the window near your gas tank filler or on the inside of the filler flap. Type in PROFECO's phone number, 01800 468 8722, and how many liters of gasoline your tank holds (1 Gallon = 3.78541 liters) This will alert the attendant that you're aware of rip offs and are willing to report them. - The Baja Western Little Onion

[Edited on 5-28-2014 by Udo]

Feathers - 5-28-2014 at 08:00 AM

Thanks Udo! Will share!

Osprey - 5-28-2014 at 08:31 AM

Best one yet close to Los Cabos airport: you hand your 500 peso note to the uniformed attendant, order 200 pesos of gas, he puts in the gas, goes to the office for change, never comes back.

After waiting a lifetime you talk to all the other people there in the office and at the island only to be told they don't know what the hell you're talking about.

Perfect scam >> the unknown attendant.

micah202 - 5-28-2014 at 09:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
Best one yet close to Los Cabos airport: you hand your 500 peso note to the uniformed attendant, order 200 pesos of gas, he puts in the gas, goes to the office for change, never comes back.
After waiting a lifetime you talk to all the other people there in the office and at the island only to be told they don't know what the hell you're talking about.
Perfect scam >> the unknown attendant.



...soundslike a waiter I had in LaPaz once!!...got a new job!?

...I like this for a plan....
..........''Also, one tip is to print out the PROFECO LOGO and attach it inside the window near your gas tank filler or on the inside of the filler flap. Type in PROFECO's phone number, 01800 468 8722, and how many liters of gasoline your tank holds (1 Gallon = 3.78541 liters) This will alert the attendant that you're aware of rip offs and are willing to report them.'':wow:

Cliffy - 5-28-2014 at 05:36 PM

I find this interesting as I had no problems what so ever on my last trip as noted in my previous thread. I measured the pumps gauge and all the pumps I came in contact with were electronic, new and in some of the cases the attendant pointed out that the meter was reading zero when he started. Now, I did have a lockable gas cap and always watched what was going on.

Ateo - 5-28-2014 at 05:42 PM

and always remember to report a pump that is over-dispensing! :yes::yes:

It happens!

A customer of mine had a pump giving away 1/2 gallon for every gallon of gas metered. Bummer............

Cisco - 5-28-2014 at 05:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cliffy
I find this interesting as I had no problems what so ever on my last trip as noted in my previous thread. I measured the pumps gauge and all the pumps I came in contact with were electronic, new and in some of the cases the attendant pointed out that the meter was reading zero when he started. Now, I did have a lockable gas cap and always watched what was going on.


Be aware Cliffy that the locking gas cap, although very valid (I use one also now) can work against you if your thief wherever, north or south, really wants the fuel, like in a large van or truck double tank that they know was just filled.

They will put a hole in the tank itself (had one pierced with the pointy end of a geologist rock hammer), drain the tank into a pan/bucket/whatever and then transfer it to their tank.

Of course the alternative is awakening to a weird noise next to your bunk in the van and looking out to find a guy stuffing a hose into the unlocked gas cap tank.

We were both quite surprised to say the least.

Cliffy - 5-28-2014 at 07:52 PM

Luckily every time I filled up we were going down the road to somewhere new. If they wanted my gas they'd have to follow me and take what was left over when we stopped! :-)