Is this Illegal? Being forced to purchase gas/no change? Threatened to have police called on me...

[amdhunter]

This has got me infuriated...

Today I went to fill up my Civic with gas, and my debit card was denied at the pump, with a message to see the cashier. When I went inside to pay him, he asked how much I wanted to put in. As usual, I said I am going to fill up (a tank usually lasts me 3 weeks) and I will be back to get my debit card.

When I start to leave, he stops me and says I have to give him an amount, in $10 denominations, (for ex. $10, $20 or $30) or he can't give me gas. I looked at him and said I don't know how much I am putting in, and he said he has to know a number. Fine, I tell him $40 (to make sure I get a full tank) and he asks me if I am sure, because he cannot give me change!!!

In other words, if I paid $40 and put $32 in gas, I will be out $8 extra! I said to the guy that this is a bullshit policy, and he said you can buy it and leave, or go before I call the police to have you removed.

At this point, I just left because I didn't want to get more angry.

I can't believe this sh!t. Not only are gas prices jumping off the roof, now we got greedy attendants pulling stunts like this.

Certainly this is illegal?

Cliffs-
- Went to buy gas, debit card refused at pump
- Told I had to purchase gas in $10 increments, no change will be given if I don't use the whole amount.
- Got semi-angry, was threatened to be arrested.
- Posted rant on ATOT

 

[Pepsi90919]

the gas station is a privately-run company. you have choice. if you don't like the ethics of said company, you can leave.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Go to ATM and withdraw $40.
Go to change machine and get $40 worth of quarters.
Go to gas station and get gas.
Pay in loose quarters.
Profit!

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
the gas station is a privately-run company. you have choice. if you don't like the ethics of said company, you can leave.

That can't be true. There is no way possible that they can go and jerk people around like that.

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
Go to ATM and withdraw $40.
Go to change machine and get $40 worth of quarters.
Go to gas station and get gas.
Pay in loose quarters.
Profit!

But if he pays $40 for $32 of gas in quarters, he'll still be out $8 ...

 

[snoturtle]

I probably would have to told him to go ahead and call the cops

I can't see how it would be legal
sounds like a bunch of crap trying to rip people off

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: Amol

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
Go to ATM and withdraw $40.
Go to change machine and get $40 worth of quarters.
Go to gas station and get gas.
Pay in loose quarters.
Profit!

But if he pays $40 for $32 of gas in quarters, he'll still be out $8 ...

Oops...

 

[Sphexi]

Total crap, debit transactions don't require a specific amount, and merchants don't get deals for special amounts either. Also crap that he made you prepay for it like that, he could've simply held the card, then charged you after you pumped the gas, and tracked you down if you took off. I'd say go back in and talk to the manager, either the kid is pulling a fast one and stealing cash from people or just messing with them, and if it's something the manager came up with then Hess Corp would probably like to know.

 

[Murphy Durphy]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
Go to ATM and withdraw $40.
Go to change machine and get $40 worth of quarters.
Go to gas station and get gas.
Pay in loose quarters.
Profit!

Actually they don't have to accept quarters, or any "change" for that matter. That is a common misconception. In fact, the only thing they have to take is a printed bill of some sort. They have the words "This note is legal tender" , which requires them to accept it, whereas change and other forms of payment do not.

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: snoturtle
I probably would have to told him to go ahead and call the cops

I can't see how it would be legal
sounds like a bunch of crap trying to rip people off

That is what I am saying. Is there an agency or something that I can call? I am beyond pissed off at this for some reason. Possibly from the lowlife minimum-wage worker acting all high and mighty. :|

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: Murphy Durphy

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
Go to ATM and withdraw $40.
Go to change machine and get $40 worth of quarters.
Go to gas station and get gas.
Pay in loose quarters.
Profit!

Actually they don't have to accept quarters, or any "change" for that matter. That is a common misconception. In fact, the only thing they have to take is a printed bill of some sort. They have the words "This note is legal tender" , which requires them to accept it, whereas change and other forms of payment do not.

So ask him to change the quarters to bills first, then pay.

 

[rky60]

I like AU's idea

I avoid pre-pay gas stations that have no option to pay at the pump, just annoying.

While you're on this subject, my debit card was also declined this morning at a gas station. Called bank, card was locked due to the pin # being entered wrong more than 3 times. My SO failed to let me know this last night when she used my card.

 

[Balt]

Originally posted by: amdhunter

Originally posted by: snoturtle
I probably would have to told him to go ahead and call the cops

I can't see how it would be legal
sounds like a bunch of crap trying to rip people off

That is what I am saying. Is there an agency or something that I can call? I am beyond pissed off at this for some reason. Possibly from the lowlife minimum-wage worker acting all high and mighty. :|

I doubt it's worth your time. The cops have more important things to do, and most organizations like the BBB don't have any real pull.

 

[Strk]

That sounds like a total load of BS. I know in MA you can just hit the cash button, pump your gas, then go to the attendent. I could see why they'd want to give a certain amount before you pump for safety's sake (I.e. so someone doesn't pump and run), but not being able to give change is a complete load of nonsense.

 

[DaiShan]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
the gas station is a privately-run company. you have choice. if you don't like the ethics of said company, you can leave.

You = wrong. Anywasy OP, most gas stations are prepay only, when you are not paying at the pump you have to give the cashier money before you can fill up. Normally when you go in it's because you are paying cash, and it's pretty standard to say "put $20 in pump #3" however, if you use only $19.97 to fill up, they *must* give you $.03 change when you go back in. My guess is the guy was trying to be a hardass because he works at a gas station and has no life, or you misinterpreted the situation.

 

[xospec1alk]

i would have just got 10 or 20 bucks, and then went about my way until i needed more gas. life is too short to get pissed off about such a tiny thing.

 

[ValkyrieofHouston]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
This has got me infuriated...

Today I went to fill up my Civic with gas, and my debit card was denied at the pump, with a message to see the cashier. When I went inside to pay him, he asked how much I wanted to put in. As usual, I said I am going to fill up (a tank usually lasts me 3 weeks) and I will be back to get my debit card.

When I start to leave, he stops me and says I have to give him an amount, in $10 denominations, (for ex. $10, $20 or $30) or he can't give me gas. I looked at him and said I don't know how much I am putting in, and he said he has to know a number. Fine, I tell him $40 (to make sure I get a full tank) and he asks me if I am sure, because he cannot give me change!!!

In other words, if I paid $40 and put $32 in gas, I will be out $8 extra! I said to the guy that this is a bullshit policy, and he said you can buy it and leave, or go before I call the police to have you removed.

At this point, I just left because I didn't want to get more angry.

I can't believe this sh!t. Not only are gas prices jumping off the roof, now we got greedy attendants pulling stunts like this.

Certainly this is illegal?

Cliffs-
- Went to buy gas, debit card refused at pump
- Told I had to purchase gas in $10 increments, no change will be given if I don't use the whole amount.
- Got semi-angry, was threatened to be arrested.
- Posted rant on ATOT

Yes, that is illegal and it sounds to me like the cashier could possibly be pocketing the extra cash. I am glad you left there. What I would do if I were you is report him. Also tell your local news media about that particular gas station. Here in Houston we have a Wayne Dolcifino and a Marvin Zindler who just love scammers like this.

Use your anger in a productive way and report this gas station attendant.

Good luck to you!

 

[jumpr]

Originally posted by: amdhunter

Originally posted by: snoturtle
I probably would have to told him to go ahead and call the cops

I can't see how it would be legal
sounds like a bunch of crap trying to rip people off

That is what I am saying. Is there an agency or something that I can call? I am beyond pissed off at this for some reason. Possibly from the lowlife minimum-wage worker acting all high and mighty. :|

If you don't like the gas station, you can leave. The attendant can decline gas purchases to whomever he wants, as long as it's not on the basis of a protected status (race, religion, sex, etc.). You're not entitled to any special rights just because you pull up to a gas station.

 

[The Batt?sai]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
Total crap, debit transactions don't require a specific amount, and merchants don't get deals for special amounts either. Also crap that he made you prepay for it like that, he could've simply held the card, then charged you after you pumped the gas, and tracked you down if you took off. I'd say go back in and talk to the manager, either the kid is pulling a fast one and stealing cash from people or just messing with them, and if it's something the manager came up with then Hess Corp would probably like to know.

this is right. they can't do that. thats total crap. i don't know why it wouldn't work from the pump. this is why i like to pay at the pump to avoid b/s at the register.

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: DaiShan

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
the gas station is a privately-run company. you have choice. if you don't like the ethics of said company, you can leave.

You = wrong. Anywasy OP, most gas stations are prepay only, when you are not paying at the pump you have to give the cashier money before you can fill up. Normally when you go in it's because you are paying cash, and it's pretty standard to say "put $20 in pump #3" however, if you use only $19.97 to fill up, they *must* give you $.03 change when you go back in. My guess is the guy was trying to be a hardass because he works at a gas station and has no life, or you misinterpreted the situation.

Uh, no. I asked him specifically if I put $32 in, and I charged $40, will I get change back? He said NO. There is no way to give me back the $8 in change.

It's not to hard to understand someone when they are trying to rob you.

 

[ValkyrieofHouston]

Originally posted by: DaiShan

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
the gas station is a privately-run company. you have choice. if you don't like the ethics of said company, you can leave.

You = wrong. Anywasy OP, most gas stations are prepay only, when you are not paying at the pump you have to give the cashier money before you can fill up. Normally when you go in it's because you are paying cash, and it's pretty standard to say "put $20 in pump #3" however, if you use only $19.97 to fill up, they *must* give you $.03 change when you go back in. My guess is the guy was trying to be a hardass because he works at a gas station and has no life, or you misinterpreted the situation.

Here in Houston they had reported some Gas Station attendants scamming like this and taking the change from customers.. report this guy.

 

[zanieladie]

I got gas on 3/3 with my bank card (processed as a credit card). The pump credit card machine wasn't working - which forced me to go inside.

Once in there, I had to pick an amount for them to charge my card. I chose $50.

I pumped my gas and the total was $35. I went back in to get a credit for $15 placed back on my card.

It is now 4/23 and the credit still has NOT shown up in my bank account. I contacted the bank and was told that companies have 60 days to issue a credit.

Nice. That means the gas company has had MY $15 (remember this came ffom my bank account) for almost 2 months without having to pay interest.

On top of that, it won't be much longer before the 60 day deadline is up...and I am aniticipating a hassle getting the money back. I am peeved!

CLIFFs: I will NEVER pre-pay on my card again anticipating a credit back to my account.

 

[xospec1alk]

WTF? all you people telling the OP to report the guy are ridiculous, he had a choice of filling up 10 or 20 dollars, he insisted on filling it up...gas station guy says no...bfd..

 

[AnonymouseUser]

If I can't pay at the pump these days with credit/debit card, regardless of reason, I won't buy gas at that gas station. I refuse to go inside.

 

[ValkyrieofHouston]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
If I can't pay at the pump these days with credit/debit card, regardless of reason, I won't buy gas at that gas station. I refuse to go inside.

Well this I certainly have to agree with. I would not pay either. However, you never know what your circumstances might be, and if you continue to allow this behavior and don't start reporting this, it will bite all of us in the butt later on down the road... capiche?

Apathy does nothing for anybody in these type situations....