The average motorist in Nigeria may not realize it, but petrol pump fraud is more widespread than you’d expect, and it’s not always committed by the owners. Increasingly, dishonest filling station attendants are devising creative and covert methods to shortchange unsuspecting customers.
While regulatory bodies like the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and now the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) strive to sanitize the sector, retail-level fraud continues to flourish, especially in urban centers where the flow of customers makes detection harder.
This investigation breaks down five simple but critical ways to identify a fraudulent filling station attendant before you become their next victim.
1. They Distract You with Conversation or Movement
One of the oldest tricks in the book, and also one of the most effective, is distraction. While filling your tank, the attendant may ask personal questions, comment on your vehicle, or call another colleague, overall designed to draw your eyes away from the pump meter.
Red Flag: If the pump attendant starts fueling without showing you the starting figure on the pump (which should read “₦0.00” or “0.00 liters”), stop them immediately. Many attendants start with a non-zero amount left from the previous transaction and pocket the difference.
What to do: Always ask to see the meter reset to zero before the transaction begins. If possible, record the transaction subtly or visibly to show you’re watching.
2. They Pre-set the Pump Without Your Consent
Another common scam is the “pre-set fraud.” Here, the attendant enters a fixed amount (say ₦5,000) into the pump and then proceeds to “top up” beyond the displayed amount manually. What you don’t see is that the manual topping is not accurately calibrated, and you’re essentially getting less than you paid for.
Red Flag: If the attendant sets a fixed amount on the pump without asking you exactly how much fuel you want, they may be working a scam.
What to do: State the exact amount or number of liters you want and watch the attendant input the figure. If they try to top up after the amount is reached, insist on stopping immediately.
3. They Play the “Double Pump” Game
In some high-traffic stations, attendants have been caught using remote-controlled or pre-programmed pumps with a switch system that feeds fuel from one meter but displays another. The fraudulent display meter reads more fuel than was actually dispensed.
Red Flag: If you notice the fuel meter is unusually fast or inconsistent, or if there is a visible remote control or second attendant hovering nearby, it may indicate tampering.
What to do: Patronize stations that have transparent pump casings where you can see the mechanical operation. When in doubt, purchase in liters, not in naira. This helps catch discrepancies more easily.
4. They Use Rapid Multiple Customer Switches
When attendants juggle multiple customers at once, especially with the same pump, fraud can slip in easily. Often, they’ll pretend to stop your fueling midway to “help another customer,” then resume, but in reality, they’re splitting the total between both customers and stealing the rest.
Red Flag: If an attendant moves between two or more vehicles using the same pump during your transaction without resetting the meter, chances are you’re getting less than what you paid for.
What to do: Refuse to share your fueling time. Insist that the pump be reset and dedicated to your vehicle alone during the transaction.
5. POS or Payment System “Mysteries”
Some stations or attendants play tricks with payments, charging you twice via POS, claiming the card didn’t go through, or failing to register cash payments. It’s a quiet form of theft that thrives on confusion, pressure, and the assumption that “machines can mess up sometimes.” Some attendants take advantage of network delays to claim the transaction failed, while others may process a higher amount than agreed and rush you into entering your PIN.
There are also situations where attendants intentionally block the POS screen or place it at an awkward angle so you can’t verify the amount. In cash transactions, some may pretend you paid less than you actually did, pocketing the difference.
Naija Red Flag: They say “POS no work” after you’ve already inserted your card, or they hide the screen while punching in the amount. They may also tell you “the printer no get paper” when you ask for a receipt.
What to do: Insist on viewing the POS screen before inserting your card, and verify the amount displayed. Always collect your receipt, no matter how minor the payment seems. For cash payments, state the amount handed over clearly and ask for your change immediately. Confirm debit alerts on your phone before you leave, and don’t let them rush you with “oga abeg, other cars dey wait.
What Can Be Done?
While vigilance is key, this fraud culture flourishes because of weak accountability and poor consumer habits. Many Nigerians are either unaware or too resigned to question anomalies, especially when they’re in a hurry or distracted.
Regulatory authorities must intensify surprise inspections, enforce transparent pricing, and create an anonymous whistleblower system where both staff and customers can report fraudulent practices without fear.
Most importantly, filling station owners must take active responsibility. Curbing pump fraud starts by monitoring their own staff and encouraging honest conduct through adequate pay and surveillance.
Final Word: Trust, But Verify
Not all attendants are dishonest, but with the stakes high and fuel expensive, every naira counts. The next time you pull into a filling station, keep your eyes open and your expectations firm. Remember: a little awareness could save you thousands in stolen fuel.
