4 ms·

Just based on the headline, I had guessed that some enterprising miscreant had figured out how to siphon off some of the gas as customers were fueling - perhaps

Just based on the headline, I had guessed that some enterprising miscreant had figured out how to siphon off some of the gas as customers were fueling - perhaps through a small tap on the line.

klenwell 11y ago
The way I've seen it done around here (Southern California) is more social hack than technical hack: the enterprising miscreant comes up to you with a gas canister while you're pumping and gives you some sob story how he lost his wallet and needs a few gallons to get back down to San Diego. The article involves a scam that is slightly larger potatoes and was newer than I expected. I was under the impression that skimmer problem had been largely neutralized (not sure where I got the idea, maybe something to do with new chip card rollout). Guess not.
- thrownaway2424 11y ago
  In what way is that a scam?
  - CamperBob2 11y ago
    Once you give him some gas, he sloshes the can in your direction and threatens you with a lighter to get you to hand over your credit card. Or something. I'm having trouble understanding this scam as well.
    - bookmarkacc 11y ago
      His family is fine and he just got a few gallons for free off you. Do this a few times to different people and you got like $20
      - pavel_lishin 11y ago
        Do... do they then sell the gas? Or do they just get free gas?
    - praneshp 11y ago
      I think the scam would be taking a look at your PIN number when you fill his canister up.
- donarb 11y ago
  Another low tech scam involves thieves swapping pump handles on two sided pumps. You swipe your card and the thief on the other side of the pump gets a free fillup. Takes a bit of coordination to not get caught, but most people don't pay attention when they're filling up. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/3869514-181/low-tech-thieves-target-customers-at http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/3869514-181/low-tech-thiev...

4 ms·

Just based on the headline, I had guessed that some enterprising miscreant had figured out how to siphon off some of the gas as customers were fueling - perhaps

by presidentender 11y ago

Just based on the headline, I had guessed that some enterprising miscreant had figured out how to siphon off some of the gas as customers were fueling - perhaps through a small tap on the line.

klenwell 11y ago
The way I've seen it done around here (Southern California) is more social hack than technical hack: the enterprising miscreant comes up to you with a gas canister while you're pumping and gives you some sob story how he lost his wallet and needs a few gallons to get back down to San Diego. The article involves a scam that is slightly larger potatoes and was newer than I expected. I was under the impression that skimmer problem had been largely neutralized (not sure where I got the idea, maybe something to do with new chip card rollout). Guess not.
- thrownaway2424 11y ago
  In what way is that a scam?
  - CamperBob2 11y ago
    Once you give him some gas, he sloshes the can in your direction and threatens you with a lighter to get you to hand over your credit card. Or something. I'm having trouble understanding this scam as well.
    - bookmarkacc 11y ago
      His family is fine and he just got a few gallons for free off you. Do this a few times to different people and you got like $20
      - pavel_lishin 11y ago
        Do... do they then sell the gas? Or do they just get free gas?
    - praneshp 11y ago
      I think the scam would be taking a look at your PIN number when you fill his canister up.
- donarb 11y ago
  Another low tech scam involves thieves swapping pump handles on two sided pumps. You swipe your card and the thief on the other side of the pump gets a free fillup. Takes a bit of coordination to not get caught, but most people don't pay attention when they're filling up. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/3869514-181/low-tech-thieves-target-customers-at http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/3869514-181/low-tech-thiev...