Fuel cards have become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. They offer convenience, control and valuable insight into spending. But as with any payment method, there’s a risk of fraud – and if it goes unnoticed, it can quickly eat into your company’s profits.
Whether it’s through lost or stolen cards, unauthorised use by employees or more sophisticated scams like card cloning, businesses need to stay vigilant. The good news? Protecting your fuelGenie or fuelGenie+ account doesn’t require drastic action, just a few smart steps and the right tools.
What fuel card fraud looks like
Put simply, fuel card fraud is when someone uses your fuel card without permission. This could involve:
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Lost or stolen cards used at the pump before they’re cancelled
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Cloned cards, where criminals copy card details to make unauthorised purchases
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Internal misuse, such as drivers filling up personal vehicles or adding extra items to fuel purchases
It doesn’t take a large-scale operation to cause damage. A few fraudulent transactions each month can quickly add up. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your accounting to prevent fraud from impacting reporting, cash flow and trust within your team.
Why every business should care
Fuel spend is one of the most significant costs for businesses that operate vehicles. Even though fuelGenie customers benefit from low-cost fuel, market prices are still fluctuating and economic pressure is affecting all sectors. That means preventing avoidable losses is more important than ever.
It’s a common misconception that fuel card fraud only affects large fleets. In reality, small and medium-sized businesses may be more vulnerable, especially if fewer controls are in place or if a single person oversees fuel management. Keeping fuel spend secure isn’t just about protecting money – it’s about protecting your operations, your data and your team’s accountability.
Simple steps to prevent it
The best way to avoid fuel card fraud is to take proactive steps and make full use of the fraud prevention features already available in your account. Here’s how fuelGenie and fuelGenie+ customers can strengthen their security:
Back to basics:
- Never share PINs: Remind drivers to keep PINs confidential, never write them down or share with colleagues.
- Assign cards to drivers or vehicles: fuelGenie allows you to link each card to a specific person or vehicle registration, helping prevent misuse and making tracking easier.
- Set spending controls: With fuelGenie, you can limit purchases to fuel only or restrict spending on oil, AdBlue or the car wash.
Keep an eye out:
- Monitor transactions online or in the app: Regularly review invoices and flag anything unusual. The sooner you spot it, the easier it is to resolve.
- Cancel or freeze cards instantly: Lost or stolen cards can be deactivated 24/7 with our online account management. No need to call or wait for office hours.
- Only use trusted sites: Encourage your drivers to only fill up at approved participating fuelGenie or fuelGenie + locations to reduce the risk of skimming or cloning.
Stay on top of security:
- Train drivers on card handling: Include simple security tips in your driver onboarding or refresher training. A few minutes spent now can prevent serious issues later.
- Review permissions regularly: Check that spending limits, PINs and assigned users are up to date, especially if roles or vehicles change within your team.
Get more with fuelGenie+
If you’re using fuelGenie+, you stay in control across the broader network of supermarket locations and most Shell garages. That means your drivers have more refuelling options while you can keep track of where and how cards are used. The same fraud prevention tools apply, but with greater flexibility, especially for mixed fleets or businesses with vehicles on the road nationwide.
Total peace of mind
The reality is most fuel card fraud can be avoided by staying alert and making use of the tools already built into your fuelGenie or fuelGenie+ account. You don’t need advanced software or complex training, just some basic practices, clear boundaries and regular checks.
Businesses that take fraud prevention seriously are not only protecting their spend but also showing drivers and stakeholders that security matters. And when it comes to something as essential as fuel, that confidence counts.
Protect your bottom line
Taking action now means fewer surprises later – and a more secure fuel future for your business. Here’s a quick reminder of what you can do:
- Never share PINs
- Link cards to named drivers or vehicles
- Set spending and product limits
- Monitor transactions online or in the app
- Freeze or cancel lost cards immediately
- Encourage refuelling at trusted participating sites
- Educate drivers on secure card use
Best of all, fuelGenie makes all of this easy. To reapply for a fuelGenie card, upgrade your subscription or get in touch – you can contact our friendly UK-based customer service team. Call us on 0345 371 2490 or email enquiries@fuelgenie.co.uk and we’ll be ready to help Monday to Thursday 09.00 to 17.30 and Friday 09.00 to 17.00.
