Customer feels 'ripped off' after Woodburn gas station hides its high prices from signs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Customers are ringing the alarm about a gas station in Woodburn that they say is charging nearly double the statewide average and not advertising the prices on their signs.
"You know, ARCO, historically, has reasonable prices — I assumed it would be a reasonable price," said customer Jay Harris.
For Harris, the ARCO/ampm at 850 Lawson Ave. in Woodburn checked all the boxes since it was conveniently located off of I-5, making it a short pit stop for him on his way to Mt. Hood Tuesday morning. But he said his $30 limit only got him four gallons, leaving him fuming.
"I was shocked, you know, honestly, and a little bit befuddled. And I felt like I had been kind off ripped off," Harris said.
Turns out, he was charged a whopping $6.70 per gallon. The signs on the outside of the gas station that would normally display the prices are covered up.
Oregon law demands prices must be shown on the pump — and sure enough, the ARCO/ampm in Woodburn does comply with this. However, with no external signage, customers say they feel duped.
The questionable practice has sparked 234 complaints with the Oregon Department of Justice, alleging price gouging and deceitful tactics.
It may not be outright illegal but serves as a good reminder to always check the price at the pump before filling up, especially at places that don't display it on signs.
If you do get overcharged, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice and the Better Business Bureau, as Harris did.
"If they had posted on their overhead sign that they were going to charge $6.70 per gallon, I seriously doubt anyone would pull in there to get gas," Harris said.
The Better Business Bureau said the business ignored 12 of the 14 complaints filed against them.
KOIN 6 News reached out to the owners of the gas station. We will let you know if we hear back.