How to protect yourself at the gas pump during Memorial Day weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – With gas prices well above $3 a gallon, and as AAA estimates nearly 1.7 million Ohioans prepare to hit the highways for the long holiday weekend, every penny counts at the pump. 

Weights and Measures Inspectors from the Franklin County Auditor's Office recognize that, and work to make sure customers get what they pay for.

"We come to every gas station in Franklin County, at least once a year," said Franklin County Weights and Measures Supervisor Justin Rogers.

Inspectors open up each pump  and check the accuracy of the fuel meters inside, so consumers are charged precisely -- not a cent more, for a drop less.

"We want to make sure that it's in tolerance, so that way, when a consumer comes to pump, and they pay for $20 of gas, they're getting exactly $20 of gas," Rogers said.

Inspectors are also looking inside the pumps for data-stealing devices that don't belong, like skimmers -- illegal card readers placed in pumps by hopeful thieves that capture personal and financial information from debit or credit cards with a single swipe. 

Rogers said the devices themselves are difficult to spot, but there are signs of potential pump-tampering to look for.

"If things just look off for some reason, one of the panels is crooked, or the door might be pried open, please give our office a call and we'll come out here and check it immediately," said Rogers. "If we actually find a skimmer, we'll immediately let the gas station manager know, and their corporate know, and the first thing that we do is we call the local police department. We want to make sure that when the consumers come to a gas pump, they have confidence in, for one, that they're going to get what they pay for, for fuel, and second, that they're not going to lose their credit card information."

A few things to remember for those traveling over the Memorial Day weekend:

• Be sure the pump is set to zero before fuelling up.
• Check the price by multiplying the number of gallons by the unit price. Be sure this shows the total price.
• Make sure the amount charged is the amount advertised.
• If a customer suspects any tampering, they should just move on.

Again, customers are encouraged to contact the Auditor's Office if they suspect a skimmer, or notice a pump is not dispensing the accurate amount of fuel. Customers can also call (614) 525-4663.