This week's Scam Detector looks at protecting oneself from being swindled at the gas pumps.

The lead story in Friday's STAR spoke about the latest scams involve attendants charging gas in addition to the last sum on the pumps. This saw customers receiving less gas than they paid for.

But there are ways consumers can protect themselves or avoid being tricked.

Firstly when one enters a gas station, it is key that you park the motor vehicle so that you can see the pump. If you cannot see the pump come out of the vehicle and watch the machine.

Ensure that the attendant places it on zero before he or she starts pumping gasolene and also watch to see that the exact amount of gas that is pumped into your vehicle is what you have purchased.

It is also good to have an idea of howhow much gas a certain amount of money puts in the tank so if you receive less it will be noticeable immediately. However customers should note that as the price of gas increases the amount of gas one gets from a certain sum is likely to lessen.

If you have been short-changed at the gas station report it immediately to the manager of the service station or to the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) so they can investigate and seek recourse on your behalf.