Monday, February 6, 2012

The Thief?


I had to stop this morning and gas up the car. It was early. And cold. And I don't particularly enjoy either of those things, but some things just need to get done, and filling up the tank is one of them. Especially when you're about to get on a traffic-filled highway. But that's a story for another day.

So, there I am at the gas station. I swipe my credit card and wait. And wait. Authorization is taking forever (which should have been my first warning), but finally (!!!!) it goes through. I stick the nozzle in the car and wait (not-so-patiently) while the car fills. I may (cough) have snuck back into the car at one point--because did I mention it was freezing?--even though I know that's a big no-no. Anyway, the nozzle clicks, I put it away, tighten my gas cap till I hear the appropriate clicking, then check the screen on the pump.

Do I want a receipt? Nope. I push the button.

One moment please.

So,  I wait. And wait. And wait some more. I turn on the car, get back out, and check the screen. Still waiting. Finally, I just click "cancel."

Transaction terminated.

What? What transaction? I only wanted to make sure the screen was clear before I drove off so the next person who came along wouldn't get a free tank of gas on my card...

So I did what any reasonable, impatient, freezing person would do. I left.

And I really didn't think anything of it until I was stuck in traffic ten minutes later.

Did I actually pay for that gas? Am I a gas-stealer? Are the police going to come knocking any minute now?

Ugh. I don't look very good in stripes...

4 comments:

  1. I don't know that I've ever heard of this happening. I can't believe that you would be able to pump the gas if they weren't already into your account. You'll have to keep us updated. Will this show up in one of your books????

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  2. Too funny, Heather. I would have done the same thing. I can't imagine that it would have pumped the gas if it didn't have payment first. I know that our pumps won't dispense gas unless an approved method of payment has been inserted - either a card or cash. Maybe the "transaction" it cancelled was the receipt (even though you didn't ask for one). I think you're probably safe from the police. But just in case...if you need to be bailed out of jail, just post here and we'll take up a collection for you. That's what friends are for after all.

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  3. Mare, that's a good idea to check the credit activity. If only I knew how to do that online... Hmm. Will figure it out.

    Lynda, LOL! Love that you'd take up a collection. :) Hopefully it will not be needed.

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  4. I know that our pumps here if you use a debit card (like a prepaid one or even a regular one I think) at a pump it will limit you to how much is available on the card. I have had it happen with a prepaid gas card and I know a friend who had it happen when they didn't have much money in their debit card. The machine just turns off when it reaches the total amount in the card. So hopefully this means that they do get the money first and you should ok!!!

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