Ripped Off at the Gas Pump: My $300 Gift Card Story

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses a participant's experience with a $300 Visa Gift Card used at a gas station, focusing on a hold placed on the card during a gas purchase. Participants share their insights on how such holds work and express support for the original poster's situation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of being surprised by a $75 hold on their gift card after purchasing gas, leading to confusion about the remaining balance.
  • Another participant notes that a hold is typically placed on cards for gas purchases and that it should clear within a couple of days.
  • Several users mention that the hold is a common practice with prepaid cards at gas stations, and that it usually reverts to the actual charge after processing.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, explains that their bank places a pending charge for gas purchases, which changes to the exact amount once the transaction is completed.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the ability to use a prepaid card at the pump and suggests going inside to prepay instead.
  • One participant recounts their own experience where they did not encounter a hold when using their card, suggesting that it may vary by gas station.
  • Another participant expresses relief that the hold had cleared and shares their gratitude for the support received in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that holds are a common occurrence with gas purchases on prepaid cards and that these holds typically resolve within a few days. However, there are differing experiences regarding the ability to use prepaid cards at the pump.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences with gas station transactions and the handling of prepaid cards, highlighting the variability in practices among different gas stations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who use prepaid cards for gas purchases may find this discussion relevant, particularly those unfamiliar with how holds work in such transactions.

Christ Follower
Christ Follower
Gold Member
Messages
4,976
I am so bummed! I had some money left over on my $300 Visa Gift Card from conference but wasn't sure how much. I had to get some gas and decided to only get $20 worth and would check the balance on the computer when I got home.

Well by the time I got home I forgot to check. So I just remembered and checked. I only have $17.24 left because the gas station transaction SAID it was $75!!! :mad: :cry:

I got totally ripped off for $55! I could have REALLY used that money right now too. GRRRRRR! I doubt that there's anything they can do, but I may go down to the gas station tomorrow to see what the heck is up. :cry:
 
They will put a $75 hold on your card, after transaction goes thru it will clear the hold.
 
yeah, it should come off in a day or two. No worries!!!
 
BUt maybe there isnt much you can do since if I understand correctly was a pre-paid visa card?

Gosh I hope you get it fixed. Do you have your receipt from the gas station? I would def. go back and complain!
 
Like others said, it is just a hold placed on the card until payment can be processed. In a day or two, it will be gone and the $20 payment will have taken it's place.
 
Our bank puts a pending $1 charge for gas purchases. I just noticed it doing that online. When the payment goes through, it changes to the exact amount.
 
My mother is a District Manager for Kangaroo-there is nothing that the gas station itself can do. It would be the credit card company. Most gas pumps will not let you use a prepaid at the pump due to the hold that is put on the card. You can usually only go in and prepay the $20 or whatever.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Okay so the $75 should come off then? That would be a huge relief! I DO still have the receipt just incase. It let me run it at the pump no problem. If I had known about the "holding" thing I would've paid inside.
 
Christ Follower said:
Okay so the $75 should come off then? That would be a huge relief! I DO still have the receipt just incase. It let me run it at the pump no problem. If I had known about the "holding" thing I would've paid inside.
Click to expand...

I can almost guarantee it will come off, and if doesn't then you can take it up with the credit card company. I used mine to pay for gas and it didn't happen like that, I think it might have something to do with the actual station. I've heard some stations do that.
Check your balance in the next day or 2 and it should be fine!;)
Let us know how it works out!
 
Did you run it as a debit? I have heard not to run things as debits for that reasons. Credit purchases usually tend to run for the amount you request but debits they automatically charge $75 just in case. Like everyone else said....it will revert back to the actual charge in a couple days.
 
I hope it comes off for you and you get it figured out. I am suprised that you could use it, I tried and it didn't work.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Okay ladies...just checked again today and the charge is gone! YAY! I am so glad I started this thread there. You all really calmed my nerves! Thanks again for the info. Now I am back up to $77 left on my card! WOO HOO!
 
Yay Ellen!! As soon as I saw this thread again, I had to come check it out! I'm so happy it turned out the way we thought it would and that you have your money back! :thumbup::D
 
Glad to hear that it's all resolved! I never knew that they did such a thing....
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue discussed in "Ripped Off at the Gas Pump: My $300 Gift Card Story"?

The main issue revolves around the author's experience of being scammed at a gas station while trying to use a $300 gift card. The story highlights the deceptive practices that can occur at gas pumps and the importance of being vigilant when using gift cards.

How did the scam occur at the gas pump?

The scam occurred when the author attempted to use a gift card to pay for gas. The gas station's system malfunctioned, leading to confusion about the payment process. Ultimately, the author was charged multiple times, resulting in a significant financial loss.

What steps did the author take after realizing they were scammed?

After realizing they were scammed, the author contacted the gas station's customer service to report the issue. They also reached out to the gift card issuer to dispute the charges and sought assistance in recovering their lost funds.

What advice does the author give to others to avoid similar scams?

The author advises others to always check their receipts immediately after a transaction, be cautious when using gift cards, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. They also recommend using credit cards instead of gift cards for added protection.

What was the outcome of the author's efforts to resolve the situation?

The outcome of the author's efforts included partial recovery of the lost funds after persistent follow-ups with both the gas station and the gift card issuer. The experience served as a cautionary tale about the potential risks associated with gift cards and gas station transactions.

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