Hey, fellow DUers be sure & pay attn when U put your credit card in @ the pumps at some gas stations

[EV_Ares]

Gas station owners, defended as victims of Big Oil by some in the media, are guilty of “luring” customers to their pumps and then pulling a “bait-and-switch” with a credit fee, according to ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

“Most drivers don’t carry enough cash to be able to afford for gas at these record prices,”

NOTE: ABC correspondent Bianna Golodryga said in a June 9 report. “But take a look at what happens when you swipe: $4.27 turns into $4.35.” The gas station in question displayed a price sign for regular unleaded at $4.27. But after she used a credit card the price went up to $4.35.

The segment suggested “outraged” drivers were being swindled into paying more for gas than was advertised. But the pump featured in Golodryga’s report clearly listed a $4.35 price tag for credit purchases.

rest of this article @ the link: http://www.businessandmedia.org/articles/2008/20080709160838.aspx

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. The price goes up that quickly

Or at least it seems like it does................

[Pab Sungenis]

2. The real thing to watch for is "pre-auths."

A gas station I filled up at on the way home from Chicago pre-authorized $109.00 on my debit card for a fill-up. They then sent through the actual $47.90 charge, but haven't taken the $109.00 hold off yet, ten days later.

[EV_Ares]

7. You may want to sign this petition:

https://secure.consumersunion.org/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr009=0fhm8xrg41.app46a&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1923

[Donnachaidh]

3. Why doesn't the MSM go after the OIL companies?

It's oh so easy to slap the bad guy label on the gas stations when the REAL *RAPE* is being done by the Oil companies.

Do yourself a favour -- count how MANY oil company ads are run in the hour of news that is reporting this *outrage*.

And pay for gas with CASH. You save money at the pumps AND keep the banks and all the other leechs from getting their *cut* of your money.

[sendero]

4. The stations..

... have to pay Visa or MC 1.8-2.5% of the purchase price, so that is exactly what they are adding on.

They should carefully make their signage say CASH PRICE and they are good to go.

[wishlist]

5. Some Mobils advertise a lower price, then you find out its only w/car wash

Several Mobil stations I have pulled into show a very reasonable price, but you find out that applies only if you also purchase a car wash. Other stations try to trick you into buying a car wash after you have already put in your credit card, some after you have already pumped your gas and think you are being asked to hit yes for a receipt when they are asking if you want car wash. Often hard to read with glare on screen. Beware consumers!

[Warpy]

6. Station owners are paid by the gallon

and credit card service costs per purchase come right off the top of what they're making.

Since their sales are already down due to people conserving as much as they are able to, the credit card service fee is killing them.

That's the reason for the "gouge." They're trying to survive. Your alternative is to pay cash. I do.