A Nebraska woman has been accused of exploiting a glitch at a gas station, resulting in the theft of approximately $28,000 worth of fuel. Prosecutors assert that the 45-year-old woman discovered a flaw in the rewards system, which allowed her to obtain free gas by double-swiping her rewards card at a pump.
The fraudulent activity took place over the course of several months, with the woman reportedly using the exploit repeatedly. The issue was brought to light in October when the loss-prevention manager at Bosselman Enterprises identified irregularities at the Pump & Pantry gas station in Lincoln.
In November 2022, Bosselman Enterprises updated the software managing their fuel pumps, including the handling of rewards cards. Unbeknownst to them, the update introduced a glitch that enabled anyone swiping a rewards card twice to activate demonstration mode. In this mode, fuel could be pumped without charges.
A probable cause statement indicated that the loss-prevention manager pinpointed a rewards card used extensively to access free gas. The card was tracked to the suspect, and surveillance footage captured her pumping fuel repeatedly between November 2022 and June 1, 2023, when the glitch was resolved.
The investigation revealed not only did the suspect exploit the glitch for personal use, but she also allegedly charged another individual to use the card for “discounted” fuel. This individual reportedly paid $500 for discounted fuel worth approximately $700, according to the probable cause statement.
In total, the card facilitated 510 transactions, dispensing over 7,400 gallons of free gas.
The woman was subsequently arrested on March 6 and charged with felony theft. She is currently released on bond pending her court hearing scheduled for April 11. Efforts to reach her attorney for comment were made on Tuesday.
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