Petrol Pump Fraud: You may be stopping by fuel pumps on a regular basis without even knowing a trick is taking money from you each time. Petrol pump scams have become so prevalent nowadays that every two-wheeler or car owner must have been cheated at least once. The alarming thing? It all takes place right before your eyes—through the meter.

Is Seeing 0 on the Meter Enough?

Most feel that verifying the meter at zero prior to filling up is sufficient protection against dishonesty. This is only half defense, however. A newer scam scheme, called the “jump trick,” is now catching unsuspecting consumers off guard. With this trick, the fuel meter does not move incrementally. Rather than advancing from 0 to 1, 2, 3, and so forth, it goes directly to 5 or more. That means a percentage of your money paid for fuel is never delivered to your tank.

What Is the Jump Trick?

The jump trick does the trick of bypassing initial meter readings, saving the amount of fuel you get without paying you less. It starts from zero but soon skips some units—sometimes jumping right to 5 or 6. Because most drivers unwind after the meter reads 0, they don’t notice this critical instant. You believe you are being provided with a full tank, but you’re missing out on the fly.

How to Identify It While Refueling

The greatest defense is vigilance. Watch the meter from beginning to end. Make sure every number from 0 upwards is in plain sight and rising as expected. If you see the meter leaping directly to large numbers, call out at once. Ask the attendant to halt and rebegin the fill procedure.

Why Density Reading Also Matters

Besides the amount, quality is also something to worry about. Most machines have a third number—density. This measures fuel quality. If you notice unusual or faulty readings here, it may be a problem with fuel purity. Low density can also hurt your car’s performance in the long term.

Where and How to File a Complaint

If you feel cheated at a petrol pump, do not hesitate to lodge a complaint. The toll-free numbers are given below:

  • HPCL: 1800-2333-555
  • BPCL: 1800-22-4344
  • Indian Oil: 1800-2333-555

It is also possible to make an online complaint on the Central Government’s grievance portal: https://pgportal.gov.in. Inspections are carried out by authorities, and in case of confirmation of fraud, penalties or license cancellation can be imposed on the petrol pump.

Additional Awareness Can Save Your Money

Most people ignore what seems like a minor glitch. But consistently being shorted a few milliliters adds up to a big loss over time. You’re paying full price but receiving less product. This awareness is all it takes to protect your wallet and ensure fairness.

Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

If your gas tank appears to run dry earlier than usual or if you notice that your car’s mileage has suddenly diminished, then it may not be a mechanical problem. It may be the work of these sneaky practices at the pump. Staying aware is your best friend.