CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Whistleblower 9 investigation has uncovered fuel pump malfunctions at a busy Charlotte area gas station.
Customers are complaining about paying premium gas prices after pressing the regular gas button.
Danielle Hummell filled up her car at the Exxon gas station on Carowinds Boulevard off of Interstate 77 the other day.
She couldn't believe her eyes when she looked at the receipt.
"Wait a second. I didn't press the supreme button and my car doesn't take supreme," Hummell said after fueling up.
She was confused because she says she pressed the "regular" gas button but paid $5 more for supreme fuel.
"I went inside to talk to the manager and he said 'Yes, it's a known issue but there's nothing I can do about it' and I said what do you mean there's nothing you can do about it. (You have) $5 that's supposed to go to me," Hummell said.
Hummell called Exxon and she said a representative admitted the pump malfunction is an ongoing problem.
Why is this happening?
Whistleblower 9 investigator Paul Boyd discovered the gas pump hose is the culprit.
It turns out, the hose is actually tapping the premium fuel button as consumers turn around to fill up their cars.
Most drivers don't even realize it is happening.
- Boyd: This is a problem that both the manager and Exxon admitted has happened before?
- Hummell: Yes. It is. And they have still not done anything about it.
- Boyd: It sounds like it happens every couple of days in fact?
- Hummell: Correct.
Hummell said Exxon eventually sent her a $10 gift card but she fears hundreds of people are inadvertently overpaying at the pump.
"Take your receipt and check your receipt and be very aware of what you're being charged," Hummell said.
The bottom line to protect yourself at the pump is to make sure that even after you choose regular fuel grade -- make sure it stays on regular.
Whistleblower 9 made three separate calls to Exxon on Tuesday asking for comment on the malfunctioning pumps.
A representative thanked Boyd for bringing the problem to their attention but pointed out Exxon does not own or operate any of the pumps.
Exxon said they will work with the owner to address the problem.
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