Gas customers charged cash before pumping

DENVER – The state agency that monitors gasoline pumps says it has received more than 40 complaints about gasoline pumps charging customers before gasoline is actually pumped into tanks.

"I have noticed on four occasions now that when I get gas at a particular gas station, that even before I pump gas, there is already a charged amount," said Ellen Lowman who fills up routinely at a south metro convenience store. "This amount is added after I have lifted the nozzle and then selected the grade of fuel I wish to purchase."

Lowman says she's been overcharged four times anywhere from six to 20 cents. The most recent incident happened during an early morning trip.

The Colorado Division of Labor and Employment says it has received 83 complaints about gas pumps in 2008 and agency spokesman Bill Thoennes says half of those deal with what's known as "pump jump."

Thoennes says pump jump happens at gas stations all over the state, not at only one station.

"Sometimes a change in temperature overnight can create a slight thermal contraction in the line first thing in the morning," said Thoennes. "In May, when temperatures can drop 30 degrees overnight, lines can shrink and contract slightly and that change can sometimes result in a slight pump jump for the first customer using the pump in the morning."

"Years ago when a pump jump occurred, the customer was usually cheated by only a penny or two," said Thoennes, "but with today's gas prices being what they are, a slight pump jump can result in a loss of five, 10 or even 20 cents."

Thoennes says asking a manger to clear the pump and remove the charge is the best way to handle the situation.

He says, in general convenience stores are not purposefully trying to cheat people.

Lowman says when she brought the matter to the clerk's attention, the extra charge was refunded.

Gas station customers who would like to report problems with a pump or gasoline that causes driving problems can download a complaint form at http://oil.cdle.state.co.us/OIL/Inspectors/Lab/Forms/consumer%20complaint%20form%201.pdf or call 303-866-4967.