Warning to Arizona: If You See Fruit at a Gas Pump, Leave Immediately!

It's that time of year again: time for the annual resurgence of travel warnings for motorists across Arizona.

Some of the warnings have merit. For example, before paying for gas at a pump using your credit or debit card, you should check the pump and make sure crooks haven't installed credit card skimmers intent on stealing your funds.

They're becoming more sophisticated all the time, so it's good to stay as far ahead of the bad guys as we can.

READ: New Scam with Self Checkouts in Arizona

Typical advice, like don't pick up hitchhikers, goes back decades, and it's still a good rule of thumb. Now, there's something new to worry about. Letting a strange and possibly deranged lunatic into your vehicle. You never know what could happen.

What NOT to Do If You See Fruit at an Arizona Gas Station

But have you seen this warning floating around the internet yet?

Here's the warning: If you pull into a gas station in Arizona and see fruit sitting on top of the pump (or near the pump), drivers and others are strongly urged to leave it alone.

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Whatever you do, do not move the fruit or start pawing through it, trying to figure out why there's a bunch of fruit hanging around a weird, dirty place like a gas station.

Depending on the type of fruit you pick up, you could be sending a very bad signal.

Using Caution at Arizona Gas Stations

When you stop to fill your car up with gas, it's good practice to stay aware of your surroundings, no matter where you're pumping gas.

According to TikTok user themrimpulsive, you can get three life-destroying drugs at gas stations. He sounds like he knows what he's talking about here. But that's not what we're talking about.

According to the Internet, you may have bigger problems if you find fruit sitting on or near your gas pump. It would be weird enough to find a basket or bowl of fruit hanging out on a gas pump, and it might pique your curiosity.

The problem, according to legend, isn't the fruit itself. Here's what's said to happen if you engage with the fruit.

READ: Prevent Child Deaths In Arizona: Simple Hacks To Avoid Tragedy

Cracking Arizona's "Fruit as a Secret Code": What it Means

Allegedly, there's a very dedicated and patient bunch of bad guys, outlaws, and drug dealers watching the fruit and they're waiting to see which piece you choose. Here is the hidden code you're sending:

The Hidden Code:

• Apple: “I need a fix.”
• Orange: “I’ve got the goods.”
• Banana: “Meet me by the dumpster at midnight.”

Is this really the hidden code?

The Code: Cracked

Here's what we do know: according to Snopes, certain viral urban legends, like the rumor that people were putting razorblades on gas pumps, turned out to be mixed - kinda true, and kinda not true.

I couldn't find any evidence Snopes is investigating this fruit-for-drugs rumor, and there doesn't seem to be a universally accepted fruit-based drug code. The odds are good that if you see someone picking up fruit at a gas station, they're probably just hungry or trying to meet their daily vitamin C requirement.

READ: Scary: 4 Arizona Truck Stops on "Do Not Stop" List!

As far as anyone on the internet can tell, this rumor has roots in radio DJ and comedian Danny Hill.

Conclusion: Fruit Salad for Everyone

While staying engaged with your surroundings is always a good idea, especially while you're being mesmerized by how fast your bank account is draining in order to fill up your gas tank - life isn’t an episode of Breaking Bad.

If you ever find yourself in this fruit-based dilemma, remember: “When in doubt, choose the kiwi.” It’s exotic, mysterious, and probably won’t get you arrested.

[ Sources: TikTok | AZag.gov | sage-advices.com | Snopes | Instagram ]