PINOLE, California — Hundreds of Bay Area drivers were temporarily charged up to 100 times more than the cost of their gasoline after a computer glitch struck at several 7-Eleven locations earlier this week, according to an ABC7 News investigation. The error turned what should have been routine $30 to $80 fill-ups into four- and five-figure pending transactions on customers’ bank accounts, leaving many stunned as they checked their statements.
The issue emerged between about 2 a.m. and noon last Thursday, when a software update appears to have shifted a decimal point in payment processing at six 7-Eleven stations — including stores in Pinole and San Jose. In one reported case, a driver’s planned $79 fill-up showed a $7,934 hold on her debit card, prompting immediate confusion and concern.
In response, 7-Eleven said it is working with its payment processor to reverse the erroneous charges and has pledged full refunds, including associated fees for confirmed affected customers. The company also offered an additional $500 credit in certain cases to assist drivers who faced bank overdrafts and other financial headaches because of the glitch. Customers who believe they were impacted are urged to contact 7-Eleven’s support line for assistance.
