Scam at the Shaw Park gas station

[Andy K]

Last sunday, for the second time, i observed that a pump attendant at the said gas station did not reset the
counter at the pump by resting the nozzle into the cradle. The oldest gas station pump scam, known since generations
from southern Europe and otherwise. As it happened to me before already at the same station, i went inside to see
the superviser. That guy couldn't even look in my face and did not object to my complaint. It appears he is part of
the problem. Needless to say, i left without paying the excess $$ they wanted to defraud me of.

What we learn from that is:
When you fuel up, make sure the pump is reset to "TT$ 00.00" !

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Andy

Thanks for posting that. As a direct result of your post, two other residents have confirmed to me by email that the same has happened to them. I am also advised by a third contact that NP in Trinidad have been informed and say they will deal with it. I'm not holding my breath, but fingers crossed!

[Andy K]

Steve,
i am glad more people came forward to confirm that. I believe it is a particular shift of attendants and
their superviser. Most of the employees there are honest, friendly young men though.
I put a short note yesterday on the TOBAGO facebook page. We shall see what response i will get there, if any.
If i get a chance tomorrow, i will pass at NP headquarters and file a complaint. They have to get that in a grip.

[Cindy W]

Somebody actually pumps gas for you? We are used to self serve are you allowed to pump your own gas at gas stations on the island, we will be renting a car.

[Frank and Mina]

Interestingly this topic came up on the 'Wake up Tobago' phone in only a few days ago.

A local woman, not a tourist, called in to say that she asked to be filled up, knowing that it would not take more than 80 TT$ worth and saw that it read 75 when the attendant took out the hose from the car. She alleged that the attendant then re-zeroed the pump before asking her for 95. The conversation got a bit complicated after that because she stated rather categorically that the manager was 'in cahoots' so at that point the host cut her off for legal reasons. She called back a couple more times, determined to finish the story but by then I was preoccupied with clearing up breakfast and did not hear if she got a refund.

Same gas station but slightly different technique.

I have to admit that I was surprised to learn that this new station is not self service, especially as it has so many pumps.

Frank