Weights & Measures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The current trend of the “Gas Pump Screw Scam” has been circulating throughout social media platforms for the past couple of weeks. This is mostly a hoax.
Consumers may come across some pumps that have had flathead screws placed in the upper portion of the handle base right below the release gateway flap. The scam claims this is a way for the pump to stay “open” and cause your credit/debit card to stay active and possibly charge you for multiple fills after you have completed your fill. This is false.
The reset on most standard pumps automatically times out after 45 seconds of non-use and can always be secondarily cancelled through the keypad. Furthermore, the pumps themselves reset once the pump handle is placed back into the cradle since the switch is activated by the gateway flap moving upward, not downward.
Any screws found on a pump area in this manner are simply an inexpensive “fix” to make sure the gateway flap does not overextend forward and create an issue of hanging up the pump handle securely. Gateway flaps and springs wear out quickly from constant use and the parts are not always readily available nor affordable to replace.
Your W&M team has spent a fair amount of time this week checking some stations based on direct complaint reports from consumers and we found no usage of secondary screws, no altered/damaged payment areas, and no inconsistent metering on fuel at these stations.
If you see a screw placement on a pump, and it causes you concern, please use an alternate pump at that station and report it directly to the station worker. If you are concerned about a station, as always, please reach out to us for an investigative inspection.
Thank you,
Trumbull County Weights & Measures
Pump or Scale Issues? Scan Here!
Warren, OH 44481
Second floor of the Administration Building
(330) 675-2420
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
weightsmeasures@co.trumbull.oh.us
Scales Brochure
Firewood Brochure
Inspector Brochure
The county auditor serves as the sealer of weights and measures for the entire county. According to the Ohio Revised Code, Section 319.55, "The auditor shall see that all state laws relating to weights and measures are strictly enforced throughout his county, and shall assist generally in the prosecution of all violations of such laws."
Some Ohio cities have also implemented Weights & Measures programs as part of their city services.
The county auditor is responsible for testing the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices used in the purchase and sale of commodities.
The Director of Agriculture is the State Sealer of Weights and Measures. The Ohio Department of Agriculture is the custodian of the Ohio primary standards of weights and measures, which are traceable to U.S. standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The international standards are kept in Paris, France.
As consumers, the products we buy are sold by weight, volume, length, count, or measure. The time-tested methods of verifying weight, volume, and pricing are being replaced by computerized devices. There are positives as well as cautions involved with the advances in technology. As U.P.C. pricing and computers are replacing price stickers, consumers receive faster service but they cannot visually verify each item's price. Therefore, Weights & Measures officials and merchants must work harder to provide customers with pricing and measuring confidence.
Certification
All weights and measures inspectors are required to receive training and certification from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures. Inspectors must pass a series of 20 tests and 2 exams, as well as attend 18 hours of continuing education class per year to maintain their certification.
Error Rates
Error rates vary within each of Ohio's 88 counties. Ohio jurisdictions are very responsive to calls. Upon receiving a complaint, a weights and measures official will usually inspect the site within 24 to 48 hours.
If an error is found, the facility's equipment may be temporarily shut down or the operators may be fined. Records are maintained for all reported complaints.
Pre-packaged Commodities
All commodities must be marked with a statement declaring net contents. Net weight does not include the weight of the bag, wrapper or container of any kind in which a commodity may be packaged. This is called the tare weight, which must be accounted for before the product is weighed. Inspectors from the State and County periodically check the accuracy of these pre-packaged items.
U.P.C. Scanners
The Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) is used in most retail stores to scan the price of the item. The price of the item is entered into a computer. When the item is scanned, the price will immediately appear on the register. The county auditor is helping to ensure that the labeled shelf price or the advertised price matches the price appearing at the checkout.
Community Awareness Programs
To increase weights and measures awareness among consumers, county auditors participate in a variety of outreach or educational programs to help explain the role or the county sealer and the protection consumers and merchants receive. The purpose of these events is for citizens to realize they have rights as well as responsibilities in the market place.
Gas Pumps
Fuel is sold by volume in gallons or liters. A computer in the gasoline pump calculates what you owe based on the amount and unit price of the gasoline. Weights and measures officials post a seal to show the the equipment was tested and found to be accurate.
Firewood
In Ohio, the legal method of sale for firewood is the cord or fraction of a cord. A "cord" is defined as 128 cubic feet. Firewood must be labeled in cubic feet or cubic inches.
Scale Inspection
Inspections are annually performed on scales ranging from precise jewelry scales to large capacity Vehicle Scales.
Other Devices
Additional meters known as Timing, Length, and LPG & Vehicle Tank are also tested annually.