The Northlake Police Department issued a warning about a new scam at gas stations that is low tech, but effective.

Known as a "screw scam," Northlake police said scammers jam a small screw into the nozzle cradle of a gas pump. When you finish pumping gas and hang the nozzle up, the screw blocks the lever and prevents it from closing. Because of that, the pump thinks you're still fueling your car.

When you drive away, a thief waiting nearby pulls up and fills their own tank while it continues charging to the previous user's card.

Police said they first became aware of the scam on Friday, May 29, when videos began circulating on social media showing Sam's Club gas pumps with a screw blocking the lever from closing. Detectives went to the Sam's Club and other ga stations in town to make them aware of the possible scam. Police said workers at Sam's Club, BP and other gas stations said they were aware of the scam, and had already started doing daily checks.

After Northlake police issued their alert Monday, they said they were contacted by someone in the industry who said the alert was inaccurate and that the screws were installed by gas stations as a temporary fix to a broken gas pump nozzle flapper.

Police said they investigated that report and found both uses for the screws are correct: they can be used as a temporary fix when drilled into the pump when the flapper is in a lowered position, and they can also be used to pin the nozzle flapper in an upper position to keep the transaction open for the last person who used the pump. Similar incidents have been reported around the country, including in Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania and California, police said.

Police said the screws are visible when the nozzle is removed from its cradle so, police said, customers should check the cradle before they start fueling their car to make sure it's clear of screws. They also advise making sure you wait until the pump's screen has reset to ensure your transaction is complete before you leave; never drive away until the screen asks if you want a receipt or clears back to $0.00.

Customers should also listen to hear the nozzle click back into place and has shut off, print their receipt to confirm their final total and politely decline any help for strangers who offer to hang the nozzle up for you.

If you spot a jammed pump, Northlake police said not to touch it and instead notify the station attendant immediately so they can lock down the pump.

If you believe you've been a victim of this scam, contact the Northlake Police Department and your bank or credit card company if there are unauthorized charges on your card.

Scams similar to this one have been reported as social media hoaxes in the past.

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