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A viral video has revealed a shocking practice at a gas station in Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro: attendants were caught swapping bottles full of additives for empty ones while serving customers. The incident sparked outrage and reignited debates about frequent scams at this type of establishment.
According to reports, four bottles of additives were manipulated during vehicle maintenance at the gas station, but only one of them was actually used. The others were replaced with empty containers, pretending they had been used. The fraud was exposed by a complaint, and those involved have already been identified and indicted for fraud.
The scam was featured in “Balanço Geral”, which warned drivers about the importance of choosing reliable services. The episode brought to light another common practice: the “fake mechanic scam”, which occurs in deserted locations, exploiting drivers in situations of vulnerability.
How the gas station scam works
The gas station attendants act quickly and discreetly. During the service, they suggest the use of additives to “improve engine performance”. However, only part of the product is applied, while the other bottles are replaced with empty ones. The driver, trusting the service, pays for something that was not delivered.
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How to protect yourself from gas station scams
- Always question the need for additional services.
- Keep a close eye on what is being done to the vehicle.
- Choose reliable stations with good reviews.
The “fake mechanic scam”: a similar trap
In addition to gas station scams, the so-called “fake mechanic scam” is another practice that requires attention. Criminals approach drivers claiming problems with the car, such as leaks or mechanical failures. After gaining the victim’s trust, they charge for unnecessary repairs, using low-quality parts and causing losses that can reach thousands of reais.
How to avoid being a victim
- Do not stop in deserted places, even if you hear strange noises in the car.
- Seek assistance only from trusted companies or insurance companies.
- Do not share personal information with strangers.
Awareness is the best way to protect yourself, both at gas stations and in other everyday situations. Always be alert, question anything that doesn't seem right and seek information before making any decision.
This happens frequently and not only at this station. If there was a severe punishment I doubt this would continue to be done. For **** is ****.
It's a shame what these dishonest bums do.
And if someone leaves their car at a location to have the oil changed or add additives or do any other type of service and the person doing the work says it will take two hours or more, and you are not there to supervise the person's work, what do you do? Because most of the time this happens, when there is a lot to do with the vehicle and the person ends up leaving to take care of some other issue and only comes back at the end of the day, how can you trust whether the location will do the work or not? It's difficult that way, right? You, the car owner, end up being deceived by smart people and paying for a service that was not done.