Admin
Caroline Gerardo, C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982 (Licensed in 20 states)

Spam prevention
Submit
Rainmaker
1,746,127
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

All another reason why Dobermans in every car are needed

Nov 07, 2018 01:22 PM
Ambassador
3,408,480
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I always lock my car when pumping ... never leave it unattended. 

Nov 07, 2018 03:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,799
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Nov 08, 2018 05:26 AM
Rainmaker
4,696,055
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

We must remain alert. To both the good and the bad.

Nov 07, 2018 01:03 PM
Ambassador
2,699,847
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   I see purses in shopping carts at the supermarket.  The woman will be halfway down the aisle looking at some product.  

Nov 07, 2018 03:47 PM
Ambassador
5,440,249
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Yes I've heard this and for quite some time now, I carry my purse, phone & keys with me out of the car and after I unlock the gas cap, lock my car doors too. 

Nov 07, 2018 08:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,866,318
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Yes, it's not new but I always be sure that the other doors or locked if I have mine open.

Nov 07, 2018 01:41 PM
Rainer
406,179
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

I lock my doors while I pump my gas

Nov 07, 2018 01:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,244,135
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Oh Boy! That's horrible

Nov 08, 2018 08:50 AM
Rainmaker
773,553
Peter Testa
Kiwi Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

That's pretty brazen, considering that the person is standing right there pumping their gas. Even if their visibility is blocked I know I usually enagage the lock on the pump handle & walk away; plus with all the cameras it's a big chance for someone to take. Same token, most criminals aren't rocket scientists or risk adverse. 

Nov 08, 2018 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,491,311
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I had not heard that this was becoming a "thing" Caroline Gerardo but I always lock my car when I am not in it... even while pumping gas.

Nov 07, 2018 05:29 PM
Rainmaker
2,227,228
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I lock my doors when I stop to fill my car.

Nov 07, 2018 04:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,252,155
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Geez... I hadn't heard this, but I always lock my car doors when pumping gas and hand on to my purse.

Nov 07, 2018 02:54 PM
Rainmaker
4,315,364
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Caroline Gerardo thanks for the warning. We all should be careful.

Nov 07, 2018 04:59 PM
Rainmaker
823,685
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Yes I am. Thanks for the reminder as I often leave my phone in the cup holder. 

Nov 07, 2018 04:13 PM
Ambassador
2,283,187
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I have heard of this but not the term "sliding".  We have to be diligent everywhere these days!

Nov 07, 2018 03:29 PM
Ambassador
3,916,979
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 Not heard the term "sliding' but I have always been aware.

Locking my car when pumping gas is automatic for me.

I have the key and credit card in my pocket. And I lock it again as soon I am back in the car.

Nov 07, 2018 02:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Ugh!

Nov 07, 2018 02:29 PM
Ambassador
2,110,485
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

Yes.  It's been on the news, in our area, for the last couple of years.

Nov 07, 2018 02:25 PM
Rainmaker
719,561
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

I saw that or similar on the news.... my car locks automatically... good thing.

Nov 08, 2018 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,424,018
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

Thanks for the warning and reminder. 

Nov 08, 2018 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,657
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I have heard about this from the local news.  I've always locked my car when exiting to get gas and keep my keys in my pocket.  Sad we have to live that way, but sadder when we aren't alert and aware. 

Nov 08, 2018 06:18 AM
Rainmaker
928,528
Jeff Pearl
Samson Properties / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Yes. It's been on the news around here.

Nov 07, 2018 02:22 PM
Rainmaker
750,136
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

We still can't pump our own gas in Oregon (crazy), so this isn't an issue for us - but good to know about this latest.

Nov 07, 2018 02:13 PM
Rainmaker
917,743
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Yes, I've been hearing about it for years and take my purse with me when I get out to the pump.

Nov 07, 2018 02:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,530,744
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Not that new of a crime.  Been going on in CA for years.

Nov 07, 2018 02:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,713,576
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I have never seen this in our town.

Nov 07, 2018 01:30 PM
Rainer
482,547
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

I'd not heard of this, but I'm not surprised by it... I do like the doberman solution though.
Bruce

Nov 08, 2018 07:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,603,017
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

I sit in my car while fueling up, let'em try it. 

Nov 08, 2018 07:10 AM
Rainmaker
564,544
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

Never a shortage of crime schemes.   Thank you for the reminder to stay safe.

Nov 08, 2018 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,627,599
Gary Frimann, CRS, GRI, SRES
Eagle Ridge Realty / Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA
REALTOR and Broker, Notary

Be safe everyone.

Nov 08, 2018 05:47 AM
Rainmaker
5,065,806
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

So sad.

Nov 08, 2018 04:11 AM
Ambassador
2,180,133
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I don't leave my car unattended when pumping gas and I never leave it without locking it and taking my purse with me. 

Nov 08, 2018 04:07 AM
Ambassador
2,545,821
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, we need to be constantly alert.

Nov 08, 2018 03:05 AM
Rainmaker
929,468
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Its always something! Must be ever diligent!

Nov 08, 2018 12:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,258,233
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

In Mexico some gas pump will steal your personal info and start charging other items as well. Always look through your bill ensure there is no hanky panky things going on.

Nov 07, 2018 07:44 PM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

It’s big in Houston. I keep my purse on my shoulder while pumping gas.

Nov 07, 2018 07:15 PM
Rainmaker
809,308
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I hadn't heard that term. Bummer that we have to worry about thieves and scammers, but it is the way of the world. -K

Nov 07, 2018 06:43 PM
Rainer
449,078
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

It is always something these days.

Nov 07, 2018 06:17 PM
Rainmaker
8,084,775
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good advice to share.

Nov 07, 2018 06:10 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,423
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

This has been going on for years in my area

Nov 07, 2018 06:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,415,065
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

It pays to always be aware of your surroundings.

I have seen a similar video to the one you provided.

If I walk away from my car in any public venue, I lock the doors.

Nov 07, 2018 05:45 PM
Ambassador
6,624,352
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Thanks for the warning.

Nov 07, 2018 04:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,322
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

YES and it is important to lock your cars. Some one tried to steal my laptop. 

Nov 07, 2018 03:20 PM
Ambassador
3,068,369
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Even worse; one of our friends was pumping gas and noticed an elderly lady who was haivng a hard time pumping her gas. He was walking over to help her- when he saw another man go to help. 

He thought, oh, there are nice people out here-- then he saw the woman hand her credit card to the guy. The guy then puts the card in the reader and asks her for her pin number. 

Our friend new this was an odd request. He got that strong feeling that something was wrong. 

THe man helped pump the gas, helped the lady then starteed to go back to his own car. Our friend noticed this man putting her credit card in his back pocket. 

 

Who does that to eldery people! 

Our friend walked over the the man and said: 

I think you forgot something. The man gave the lady her card back. 

Disgusting!!!! 

Nov 08, 2018 08:31 PM
Ambassador
3,762,439
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

These guys need job training in something legal - it would probably even earn them more money.

Nov 08, 2018 12:32 PM
Rainer
509,499
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

This is terrible.  Thanks for sharing;  I always take my purse with me but looks like I have to lock my car from now on. 

Nov 08, 2018 12:05 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,282
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Good warning, thanks.

Nov 08, 2018 05:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Know your surroundings and stay alert.

Nov 08, 2018 04:23 AM
Rainmaker
955,551
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

This was more an issue in the last state I lived. It's so sad that the desperation for quick cash exists. Be safe out there, everyone.

Nov 08, 2018 01:40 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,227
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No.

Nov 07, 2018 05:12 PM
Rainmaker
2,829,166
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

they are doing this at 7-11's too plus siphoning your gas while you shop there

Nov 07, 2018 03:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,425,328
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

A new one for me, but not unexpected. 

Nov 07, 2018 03:26 PM
Rainmaker
5,584,078
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I've not heard of that happening in my town.... 

Nov 07, 2018 02:56 PM
Ambassador
3,644,355
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Carol I didn't know what you meant by sliding. Now I do.  For years I've been locking my car when pumping gas and making sure there are plenty others around - usually at Costco so that's not a big issues as it's always busy there.

Nov 09, 2018 11:45 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,135
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Great tip for us. 

Thank you. 

Nov 08, 2018 07:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,552
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Yes, old trick.

Nov 08, 2018 07:13 PM
Rainmaker
472,214
JoAnn Moore
The Mortgage Market of Delaware - Georgetown, DE
Home Loans in Delaware

Another thing they are doing is to take the gas pump hose from your pump to their car if you go into the store and leave it unattended.

Nov 08, 2018 03:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,761,537
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Caroline, I talked about this in one of my Realtor Safety blogs when I talked about cars. You've got to pay attention all the time. 

Nov 08, 2018 02:09 PM
Rainer
341,353
Ron Tissier
Chapman Hall Premier Realtors (404) 580-9069 - Atlanta, GA
Defining Homes. Defining Lifestyles.

Yes, have known about this for a while.  Always lock my car when pumping gas.  Also do a "walk around" prior to getting back into the car to make certain there is no one lurking about as I unlock the doors.

Cheers! 

Dec 07, 2018 06:15 AM
Rainmaker
5,964,771
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Absolutely, this has been happening for quite some time.  I always lock my doors and stand at my drivers door.

Nov 13, 2018 10:41 AM
Rainmaker
5,143,839
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

What  will they do next.

 

Nov 11, 2018 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

Had not heard of the term.   Be safe.

Nov 09, 2018 05:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,643,460
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

yuck... thanks for sharing. 

Nov 08, 2018 10:26 PM
Rainmaker
5,773,924
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Caroline,

I always lock the car, if I am filling the car.  A

Nov 08, 2018 05:10 PM
Rainmaker
2,240,290
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I always grab my cell !

Nov 08, 2018 05:08 PM
Back to Top
Ask a Question

Our real estate Q&A site is a place where real estate professionals can ask their peers questions so we can all learn and grow as a community.

Members of our community can ask, answer, like, and subscribe to questions. Visitors to our site can read the questions and answers that were marked as “public” by the author.

Recent Questions
View All Questions arrow_forward