Warning: New ‘pump-switching’ scam spreads across US as gas prices surge past $4 — even Toyotas stuck with $150 charges

April 5, 2026 - 01:00

As fuel prices surge past the $4 per gallon mark nationally, a brazen new scam is targeting drivers at the pump, leaving unsuspecting motorists with charges exceeding $150. The scheme, dubbed "pump-switching," involves thieves discreetly moving a gas pump nozzle from a victim's vehicle to their own after the transaction has been authorized.

The crime unfolds quickly. A driver, like recent victim Mignon Adams, will insert their card, select their grade, and begin fueling. A scammer, often in a vehicle parked at the adjacent pump, will then distract the driver or simply wait for them to look away—perhaps while cleaning a windshield. They then switch the active nozzle to their own vehicle's tank, filling it up on the victim's tab. The victim only discovers the theft when they receive an inflated receipt or see a massive pending charge on their bank statement.

Authorities report the scam is spreading across multiple states. Even drivers of typically fuel-efficient vehicles, like Toyotas, have been hit with charges for over 30 gallons of fuel, far exceeding their tank's capacity. Law enforcement advises drivers to remain vigilant: never leave the pump unattended, use pumps closest to the attendant, shield your PIN, and immediately check your receipt. If you see a discrepancy, contact your bank and the station manager at once. With gas prices straining wallets, this scam adds a new layer of financial threat to a routine errand.