Complaint Review: Arco Gas - Inglewood California

If your funds have not been returned yet, ask the bank if they can return the funds on a provisional basis. Once the investigation concludes it was a bad machine, they will lift the provision. Can't hurt to ask, it is the holiday season and people do not need these types of problems now.

I am not a big fan of Arco myself. The first time I ever used one I saw a decal on the pump that said "no more fee for using a card"...I used a card and sure enough there was a 50 cent fee. Not the end of the world, but still a little deceptive. Upon closer inspection it said in tiny print "only if it is an Arco card"..that was dirty in my book.

I have only been in LA around 2 years but a few have told me Arco gas is crap and not to use it. I did anyway a few times and so far have not noticed any problems. They are at times up to 10 cents cheaper per gallon then any other local station but if you do not have an Arco card..just use cash. Probably best to use cash anyhow these days at any gas station as it seems the gas companies want the banks to hold an amount..which reports of up to $100.00 have been held. The hold only needs to be to check that the account has the funds, but some banks may decide to hold these funds for days. Bad news is..by the time you find out either the card is declined when you go to use it later, or if you have overdraft coverage it will lead to a nice big fee or fees.

I also am uncomfortable with the fact that the machine at Acro is not on the pump itself, but on an Island..just seems an invitation for error and malfunctions such as this to screw your account up

On Sunday afternoon (11/28/10) I pulled up to the pump and used my debit card at the outside terminal. I selected pump (#12), returned to pump my gas ,but no gas came out. I went inside to inform the attendant (Francisco). I was told that my card was not accepted and to pay on the inside. I paid $20.00 + .45 service charge, pumped the gas, and checked the outside terminal to make sure the transaction was canceled. I checked my bank account two days later and there was an additional charge of $82.90 date stamped the same day as the $20.00 charge two hours later.

I tried to resolve the issue with the Merchant/Owner(Abraham) as suggested by my bank and provided him with my bank statements. He was extremely RUDE and unhelpful. Initially he appeared to be sincere about helping to resolve the issue. He asked me to allow him a few days to do an internal investigation. He contacted me within 24 hours and had the audacity to make accusations and suggest that I either (a)returned back to the gas station to fill up my tank or (b)I gave someone my card!

He asked me to come to the Arco location to get a copy of his findings. My son and I waited for 30 minutes, he finally returned from his office showing copies of two receipts. One was for $20.45 at 3:13pm and the other for $82.90 at 3:10pm.

I politely stated that there was a conflict in the times my bank provided($20.45 @ 3:13pm and $82.90@5:24pm) and what was reflecting on the receipts he had. I didn't want to engage in any conversation with Abraham so I asked for the copy and he stated "No, I'm not giving you a copy"! Before I could respond, my son said he felt dizzy and I had to get outside and call 911 for a paramedic. After they attended to my son and checked his vitals, the LA County Sheriff was notified. The Officer stated that it was a civil matter and there was little he could do. I was devastated. So, you charge my card $82.90, deceive me to believe that you are trying to help, ask me to pick up a copy of the receipt, and then tell me I can't have a copy. Incredulous!

Prior to meeting with Abraham I filed a dispute with my bank,the BBB, Consumer Affairs(Dept. of Weights & Measures), and Arco Headquarters. The Merchant initially returned the money back to my card, but later took the money back, resulting in my account being overdrawn. Now I have another problem!

I contacted my bank again and filed a second dispute. I am very disappointed with the series of events. I am literally on a shoe string budget and now I will be without money for the next few days. This is taking away from meeting the basic necessities of my child and I am completely floored by this organizations actions. This is a billion dollar industry and to play these cat and mouse games over $82.90(nothing for them, but means is a LOT for me) is ridiculous!

Next Step:Lawsuit