Just thought that I'd pass this on as I just found the latest scam. I frequently buy Mobil 1 oil at Walmart. On the last purchased on a whim I decided to check the oil when I gut back to the car in the parking lot by taking off the cap of the 5 liter containers. Took off the cap to one container there was no seal and the OIL was black. Poured a few drops out into the cap and the oil was dirty used oil. Took the cap off the second contain and the foil seal was still there. Pulled off the "seal" and that container was full of used dirty used oil as well. The thief apparently filled the container with his used oil and took the time to glue the metal seal back on. Took both bottles back to the store with the receipt and customer service said " we are seeing more of this lately" They gave me credit for the purchase. I hate to say it but now we need to check new bottles of oil before we buy. Sadly there seems to be no end to the scammer schemes.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 07-16-2025).]
Buy oil, change oil, return old oil in NEW jug. NO ONE in returns checks anything. Also went to Walmart to get an AC Delco filter. On a whim, opened the box - Fram inside. Two more just the same. Just so happens the Fram is several dollars cheaper.
Walmart's generous return policy invites abuses such as these. Apparently they don't check anything that comes back in as a return.
The used oil thing is common. Seems to me like it should be an obvious scam to spot; I mean if someone buys the wrong grade of oil and needs to return it and get the correct grade, that is understandable, but in what honest scenario does someone buy oil and suddenly change their mind and need to return it? It's not like the people who buy a fancy suit to wear to an interview and then return it the next day. The employees ought to be able to spot that one a mile away.
The only time it happened to me was once when I bought a container of either power steering fluid or brake fluid - I don't remember which - and the seal was opened and about 1/4 of the bottle was gone. My fault I guess for not noticing. I bet someone filled their reservoir out in the parking lot and returned the rest of it.
I buy oil online from Walmart or Amazon, three 1 gallon jugs at a time. The price is lower and shipping is free, quick delivery also. I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum which Walmart usually does not have in stock at the store anyway
For me, I always buy oil from trusted local auto part stores and never been scammed....
Thats good and it solves one problem but last year they caught a couple of towel heads at a station in my area that were watering down the gas,
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Happened to me too. I bought a 5-Quart container of Royal Purple oil, and it was someone's used oil. I brought it back and they were totally ok with it, but only because they knew me and I spend so much money there.
For me, I always buy oil from trusted local auto part stores and never been scammed....
You've been lucky. I work with many of the warehouses that supply local auto parts stores. Most have minimal checks on returned items and there are numerous unscrupulous store owners who will return used parts in new boxes when times get tight. Oil is not typically a problem area - but hard parts...oh, yea.
Craig71188: You've been lucky. I work with many of the warehouses that supply local auto parts stores. Most have minimal checks on returned items and there are numerous unscrupulous store owners who will return used parts in new boxes when times get tight. Oil is not typically a problem area - but hard parts...oh, yea.
You're correct, the topic is "Inspect NEW Oil Before Buying" and not parts....
------------------ Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles
I bought a DeWalt drill/impact driver set at Lowe's once. Opened it and found a couple of worn out Milwaukee drills and two pairs of shoes, also heavily worn.
They had thrown the shoes in the box as packing to keep the drills from sliding around and tipping off the counter person something wasn't right. Or maybe they already knew what was going on, who knows?
The person helping me switched out the return for another set and I checked the contents before heading back out.
This was one of the most ridiculous things I'd ever seen so I couldn't help but laugh.
