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Fuel scam in Service stations

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Does anyone still fall for this? A guy came to me as soon as I stepped out of my car trying to tell me he had run out of fuel and needed money to get going again and could I lend him some.

Yeah right mate!

Anyway, I informed a worker who got the service manager to move them on but I was surprised to see people see trying this con.

Comments

  • Hermia
    Hermia Posts: 4,473 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Does anyone still fall for this? A guy came to me as soon as I stepped out of my car trying to tell me he had run out of fuel and needed money to get going again and could I lend him some.

    Yeah right mate!

    Anyway, I informed a worker who got the service manager to move them on but I was surprised to see people see trying this con.

    I expect a lot of people fall for this. It's another version of the needing money for a train scam. There is a woman who does this on her high street and I am always seeing people giving her money.
  • I've double posted somehow...sorry Mods, can you join together?
  • skivenov
    skivenov Posts: 2,204 Forumite
    If I'm in my van, I've normally got a fuel can in the back, so I ask them if it's a petrol or a diesel and offer to put a bit in the can and give them a lift to their car.

    Worst case, you spend a few quid helping someone who's really in trouble.

    Half the chancers get brainf**k the minute you ask them if it's a petrol or a diesel.
    Yes it's overwhelming, but what else can we do?
    Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?
  • Kite2010
    Kite2010 Posts: 4,308 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Home Insurance Hacker! Car Insurance Carver!
    He didn't try offering you any dodgy jewellery in exchange for the money?
  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,920 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Had a similar incident on the motorway services. Stopped for a quick loo break. I waited in the car.

    Girl came over and said she had almost run out of fuel and needed money.. I said no and she went away.
    Then drove around the car park several times as other cars came in.

    Maybe the scam would work better if her and her male passenger were not stuffing their faces with food and drink. I spotted that as i drove past them on the way in.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • I had this at a fast food place late at night. The bloke had a fiver and needed another fiver for a bed for the night.

    I hate these scam artists. I would help anybody in trouble but these days you never know if it's genuine.
    Je suis sabot...
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