Gas Pumps:

Credit card skimming continues to be a serious identity theft problem across the country. Avoid being scammed at gas stations by taking the following precautions:

1. Use a credit card, not a debit card to purchase your gas. You aren't usually liable for fradulent charges on a credit card, but if scammers gain debit card information, they may be able to drain the entire attached bank account.
2. Use gas pumps that are within the line of sight of the station's clerk. Thieves are less likely to install skimmers on high profile pumps.
3. Inspect the pump before inserting a credit card. If there is tape near the card reader or any part of the device is loose, don't use it. If you suspect or spot indications of forced entry to the pump, avoid it. Alert station attendants.
4. Identity thieves have greater control over your stolen information if they also have your PIN or zip code. Always cover the pad while typing, even if no one appears to be nearby.
5. Always check credit card statements. Report unusual activity to credit card companies immediately.

Scales:

Commercial scales are used to price items by weight. A deli scale is one of the more frequently checked scales of this type.

Non-commercial scales are the scales that you see in doctors' offices or schools.

1. Watch the scale and the amount registered. The scale should be placed so you can see the weight, price and other information displayed.
2. Make sure the scale shows a zero or minus sign before anything is weighed. Pay only for the product, not for the packaging.
3. If you have any questions about how a store weighs or measures products, ask the manager for information first. He or she should be able to answer your questions.
4. If the problem is not resolved, contact your Medina County Weights and Measures Department for assistance.

UPC Scanners:

Our Weights and Measures Inspectors randomly select items from a store, choosing items from all departments. They write down the item and the sticker price, then take the items to the register and scan each item, to ensure the sticker price and checkout price coincide. Stores are required to correct the pricing in their computer so that the item scans correctly.

1. Watch as the price of the item appears on the check-out register.
2. Ask the clerk to check the price if you think the scanned price is incorrect.
3. If the scanned price does not agree with the posted price, ask the store manager to correct it.
4. Save your purchase receipt, in case you have questions or a problem later on.
5. If the problem is not resolved, contact your Medina County Weights and Measures Department for assistance.

Firewood:

Legally, firewood should only be sold by the cord or by fractions of a cord. A cord is 128 cubic feet, which is the height multiplied by the the length, multiplied by the width.

It is important to know that terms such as truckload, face cord, rack, and pile have no legally-defined meaning and therefore a buyer has no way of determining how much firewood they are actually receiving. Make sure you have a telephone number and sales receipt for your wood. Stack your wood when you receive it and determine if it is a cord. If not, and if the seller will not correct the problem, contact the Weights and Measures Department for assistance.

Gas Cans:

We often receive calls from residents who paid for more than two gallons worth of gas and wonder if they were cheated. Usually the gas can is to blame, since they are generally inaccurate in measurement. Gas cans are approximates. If you have a two-gallon can, it may actually take a little more or a little less to fill the can up.