When you pump gas, do you choose not to take a paper receipt in order to continue to save a tree? Well, maybe it's time to put to test the honesty of some gas stations. After the pump has finished glug, glug, glugging and the register has finished kerchunking to a high dollar sign, be sure to say yes to obtaining a receipt and here's why:
In some states, there have been past stories circulating and again recently about being overcharged at the pump. If you discover this happening after examining your receipt, go directly to the cashier and ask to have the math checked..
Don't wait to view your bank statement and/or check it on line if paying by credit because proof of a padding error should be handled then and there. However, there is a number on the pump to call and comment further and we‘ll discuss that later
If you know you have a 17-gallon tank and the pump is registering 18-19, that is another doubtful sign after the needle taps to the full point. Do the testing because it means "money in the bank and not in the tank." Every little bit adds up these days.
Another way to check a station is to put in exactly 10 gallons and match the price of fuel you have selected and multiply that times 10. It has been reported that some stations calibrate their pumps to show more gas being pumped than actually received by the customer.
It has also been suggested that the equipment gets old and becomes challenging and costly to keep maintained in light of other pertinent matters occurring, such as swipe cards being used by thieves and identity theft. Faulty equipment is always a possibility but when in doubt, express some concerns.
If you do find a station that appears to be shady, contact the state Agriculture Department, and direct your comments to the Commissioner. This information can be found on the gas pumps.
We do not want the gas people fattening their bank accounts over and above the quoted price of gas. It is up to the consumer to keep these matters in check.
