Digging Into the Kwik Trip ‘Gas Can’ Scam Rumors

A thread on a local Facebook community group recently caught my attention. It warned about a potential scam happening at Kwik Trips in the area. I love Kwik Trip, so I wanted to find out if there was a reason people should be worried.

A Reddit post shared one person’s confusing experience. The poster said he was approached by a young man when filling up at a local Kwik Trip and asked where he could buy a gas can.

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Digging Into the 'Gas Can' Scam Rumors at Kwik Trip

The Reddit poster told him that Kwik Trip sells gas cans, but instead of going to buy one, the man just got in his car and drove away. This scenario has happened more than once to the person.

The story was also shared on the "Spotted in Rochester" group, and others began chiming in with similar experiences:

• Kimberly: “Also happened to me at the Kwik Trip on the far north end of town.”
• Gabe: “This happened to me too.”
• Adam: “Happened to me last week at the Kwik Trip near Bowlocity.”

I didn't think much about the potential scam until I read all the comments.

One Kwik Trip employee even commented (anonymously) on the thread, saying, “I am a Kwik Trip employee. If this ever happens to you, PLEASE come inside the store and notify someone. We do not tolerate scams and take these things seriously.”

Kwik Trip, the 'Best Gas Station' in America, is known for outstanding customer service, so don't be afraid to talk with an employee if you think something's going down.

So, what’s the 'Gas Can' scam?

I spent a lot of time searching for “gas can” scams but didn’t find much. I did find an article on FinanceBuzz that explains what is most likely going on here.

Kwik Trip is everywhere in our region, with nearly 900 stores spread around Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and South Dakota. But this type of scam can happen at any gas station.

They call it the “sympathy scam.”

Scammers approach a customer pumping gas and tell a sad story, asking for money or help. Knowing you can’t leave your vehicle unattended, they will continue to talk as you pump, hoping to make you feel uncomfortable, sad, or even threatened—wearing you down until you give them money.

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