With drivers feeling the pinch of rising gas prices, scammers are jumping on the opportunity to take advantage of consumers in desperation, Better Business Bureau of the Pacific Southwest reported in a news release July 11.
BBB is sharing the following tips to keep consumers safe at the pump as a new gas-card scam is on the rise.
How scam works
You see a post on social media, get an email, or take a survey that says you won a $500 gas station gift card. Currently, the scam claims to be from Shell, but watch out for scammers using different gas station brands, too, the BBB reports.
To get the gift card, you pay a small fee. But when scammers get your credit-card or debit-card information, they will likely charge your account for amounts you never approved.
One consumer told BBB Scam Tracker, “They said I won a Shell gas card and had to pay $1.95 for shipping. A day later, they took $89.95 out of my account. I called about the charge, and they fixed it. But the next day, another $89.95 was taken out again.”
In addition to your credit-card information, the scam may also ask for other personal details. Some consumers have said that they were asked to fill out a form and provide their name, phone number, physical address, credit-card information and other details. Sharing these details with scammers can make you susceptible to identity theft.
How to avoid prize scams
Never pay to win, BBB reports. No legitimate company will ask…
