Fuel dispenser tamper prevention system and method

Abstract

A fuel dispenser comprising a cabinet defining a lower hydraulics compartment and an upper compartment separated by a vapor barrier. The cabinet has at least one first door openable to allow access to at least a portion of the lower hydraulics compartment and at least one second door openable to allow access to at least a portion of the upper compartment. A first door sensor determines if the first door is opened and a second door sensor determines if the second door is opened. At least one radio is in communication with at least one of the first door sensor and the second door sensor, wherein the radio transmits information to indicate whether the first door or the second door is opened. A relay disconnects power to the fuel dispenser if an unauthorized opening of the first door or the second door is detected.

Description

TITLEFUEL DISPENSER TAMPER PREVENTION SYSTEM AND METHODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application number 63 / 675,343, filed July 25, 2024, which is incorporated fully herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to fuel dispensers and service stations (“gas stations”) at which fuel is dispensed. More specifically, the present invention relates to security systems and methods employed in the field of fuel dispensing to mitigate the risks associated with fuel dispenser tampering and credit card skimming and, more particularly, to preventing theft of fuel and credit card information.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Fuel dispensers, which are commonly used at gas stations and refueling stations, have become attractive targets for criminals engaged in fuel theft and credit card skimming. The prior art includes various attempts to address these security challenges, but they often fall short in providing comprehensive and robust solutions.

[0004] Traditional methods to prevent fuel dispenser tampering have been primarily reliant on mechanical safeguards, surveillance cameras, and employee vigilance. These measures, while valuable, have proven insufficient in addressing evolving threats posed by increasingly sophisticated and technologically adept criminals.

[0005] Regarding credit card skimming, the prior art has mainly focused on securing payment card data from fraudulent capture during transactions at fuel dispensers. Current approaches include protecting cardholder data during transmission between the dispenser and payment processing systems using encryption. Another approach is using anti-skimming devices, often retrofitted to dispensers, that attempt to detect and prevent skimming devices from being installed.

[0006] While valuable, these prior art solutions may have limitations related to their ability to adapt to evolving threats, their scalability, and their ability to provide real-time detection and prevention of credit card skimming attempts. Despite existing efforts to secure fuel dispensers, the increasing sophistication of criminals poses a persistent challenge. Fuel theft continues to affect the profitability and reputation of fuel retailers, while credit card skimming remains a significant threat to consumer data security.

[0007] Unfortunately, the fueling market is experiencing increasing fuel theft and credit card skimming. The current security solutions are expensive and have limited effect against theft. There are more deterrence methods than prevention and, in many cases, stations do not currently have any way to identify if their dispensers have experienced tampering.

[0008] The present invention recognizes and addresses considerations of prior art constructions and methods.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a fuel dispenser comprising a cabinet defining a lower hydraulics compartment and an upper compartment separated by a vapor barrier. The cabinet has at least one first door openable to allow access to at least a portion of the lower hydraulics compartment and at least one second door openable to allow access to at least a portion of the upper compartment. A first door sensor is operative to determine if the first door is opened and a second door sensor is operative to determine if the second door is opened. At least one radio is in communication with at least one of the first door sensor and the second door sensor, the at least one radio being operative to transmit information wirelessly from the fuel dispenser indicating whether the first door or the second door is opened. A relay is also provided, the relay being operative to disconnect power to the fuel dispenser if an unauthorized opening of the first door or the second door is detected.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one radio is configured as a coordinator node in communication with both of the first door sensor and the second door sensor. For example, the coordinator node may communicate wirelessly with the first door sensor and the second door sensor, such as via BLE protocol.

[0011] Preferably, the relay opens in response to a command from the coordinator node. For example, the command may be generated remotely and received at the coordinator node.Alternatively, the command may be generated locally at the coordinator node, in which case the coordinator node may report that the first door or the second door is open to a remote location.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the relay may comprise a normally closed solid state relay.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the fuel dispenser may have plural sides at which fuel can be dispensed.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a fuel dispenser tamper prevention system comprising a fueling site having a plurality of fuel dispensers. Each of the fuel dispensers includes at least one tampering sensor and a radio in communication with the tampering sensor. The fuel dispensers further have a relay operative to disconnect power to the fuel dispenser if an unauthorized tampering of one of the fuel dispensers is detected. In addition, the fueling site has a gateway device in wireless communication with the radio of each of the fuel dispensers. The gateway is operative to receive a command instructing power to be disconnected from the one of the fuel dispensers in response to the unauthorized tampering.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one tampering sensor comprises at least one door sensor. For example, the at least one door sensor may comprise at least first and second door sensors on both of two sides of the fuel dispenser. In this case, the first door sensor may detect opening of a first door allowing access to a compartment below a vapor barrier of the fuel dispenser and the second door sensor may detect opening of a second door allowing access to a compartment above the vapor barrier.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, a computing device at the fueling site runs a software application generating a user interface at which a user may interact with the tamper prevention system.

[0017] A still further aspect of the present invention provides a method of preventing unauthorized tampering with a fuel dispenser. One step of the method involves detecting that a door of the fuel dispenser has been opened during a time in which door opening is not authorized. According to another step, a signal indicating that the door was opened is wirelessly transmitted to a selected recipient. A still further step involves either automatically interrupting power to the fuel dispenser or receiving a command from the selected recipient to interrupt power to the fuel dispenser and electronically doing so.

[0018] In some cases, the method may further comprise ignoring indications that the door of the fuel dispenser has been opened during a time in which door opening is authorized. In this situation, the method may further comprise receiving a command that door opening is no longer authorized and / or resetting to a state that door opening is no longer authorized after a preselected period of time.

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exemplary functional diagram of a novel fuel dispenser tamper prevention system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exemplary functional diagram showing communication between sensors at one side of a fuel dispenser and a remote user interface (UI) at which relevant events may be reported.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an exemplary functional diagram showing communication between sensors at one side of a fuel dispenser and options for a local user interface (UI) at which relevant events may be reported.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation showing sensors associated with each of a plurality of fuel dispensers communicating with a bridge node at a service station.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows further detail regarding components of each of the fuel dispensers shown in FIG.4.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows various actions that can be taken in relation to a fuel dispenser tamper prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating aspects of the operation of a fuel dispenser tamper prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIGs. 8-9 are diagrams somewhat similar to FIGs. 2-3 but illustrating an alternative embodiment.

[0029] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention according to the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and presently preferred methodology of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment (or method) may be used on another embodiment (or method) to yield a still further embodiment (or method). Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0031] The term “or” as used in this document is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. Therefore, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” as used in this document should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed solely to the singular form. The meaning of “in” may include “in” or “on.” The word “at” may include “at,” adjacent to,” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. The meanings identified above do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms.

[0032] To provide an improved and comprehensive solution that overcomes various limitations of current systems and methods, novel techniques and apparatuses are provided that enhance security, prevent tampering, and detect credit car'd skimming attempts in real-time.

[0033] To provide greater control and security to system operators, there is provided a service that allows them to identify when a dispenser is tampered with or breached. In the event of a door breach, for example, the dispenser can be shut down to prevent theft. If a skimmingdevice is inserted, the station will be alerted that the dispenser has been tampered with and signal service.

[0034] The novel system described herein includes several advanced features in comparison with the way that dispenser security is presently handled. For example, if a dispenser door is opened without authorization, then brute force power shut-off may be implemented so that fuel dispensing is prevented. Another feature is the enablement of a bypass function during service and maintenance. Still another feature is a notification system to alert station monitoring personnel to provide information such as identifying the dispenser being affected, the door, and the time when tampering was identified.

[0035] Additional advanced features are also provided, such as subscription services for accessing user interface (“UI”) software and sensor data. Additionally, in-store monitoring to improve customer experience (i.e., predictive maintenance and supplies replenishment) is also available.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1, aspects of an exemplary novel tamper prevention system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is illustrated. (As used herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “tamper prevention” includes situations where some tampering does occur, but a prompt notification is provided to prevent further tampering, damage, and / or loss of property.) As can be seen, the system 10 includes a fuel dispenser 12 that includes various sensors and other components (described more fully below) that contribute to the functionality of the tamper prevention system. One skilled in the art will appreciate that fuel dispenser 12 may be any suitable commercial fuel dispenser that is either retrofit or modified at the time of manufacturer in accordance with teachings of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the dispensers in the Encore® line of fuel dispensers manufactured by Gilbarco Inc. may be utilized for this purpose.

[0037] In this case, fuel dispenser 12 is operative in two one of modes when tampering is detected: (i) Tamper Not Authorized; and (ii) Tamper Authorized. The former mode indicates that the tampering is due to nefarious actors while the latter mode, for example, enables a service technician to use the UI to turn off the tamper system and complete the service call.

[0038] In an example of the Tamper Not Authorized mode, a sensor may detect that a door of the fuel dispenser 12 has been unexpectedly opened (as indicated at 14). This is indicative of unauthorized tampering. One skilled in the art will appreciate that fuel dispensers,such as fuel dispenser 12, typically have two sides (A and B) at which dispensing of fuel can separately occur. In other words, a first customer with a first vehicle can dispense from side A while a second customer with a second vehicle can dispense from side B. Each side may have several doors which can be opened for service. For example, a lower door may allow access to the hydraulic components in a lower portion of the fuel dispenser while one or more upper doors may allow access to components of the dispenser’s customer interface (including access to the receipt printer to change the printer paper).

[0039] If an unauthorized door opening (or other tampering) is detected, one or more actions may result. For example, as indicated at 16 and 18, the site manager may be alerted to disable power to the dispenser. With a loss of power, the dispenser will be unable to dispense fuel to the fraudster. Alternatively, as indicated at 20 and 22, dispenser power may be automatically be interrupted and a notification to this effect sent to the site manager. In either event, a service technician may be dispatched to the site to investigate the situation and eventually restore power to the dispenser, as indicated at 24.

[0040] In the Tamper Authorized mode, as indicated at 26, the site manager (or other appropriate person) may use a user interface to allow authorized “tampering” with the dispenser by a service technician. The service is then performed, as indicated at 28, after which the tamper detection system is reactivated, as indicated at 30. The reactivation may occur by any suitable means. For example, reactivation may be performed by the service technician or the site manager (using a suitable user interface) and / or may occur automatically after a designated time period.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 2, certain additional aspects can be explained. In this illustration, various sensors (e.g., door opening sensors or skimming sensors) that might be associated with “side X” of the fuel dispenser (i.e., either side A or side B) are shown. One or more intrinsically safe (“I.S.”) sensors are located in the hydraulics compartment below the internal vapor barrier 34. Sensor(s) 32 are electrically connected (e.g., by galvanic connection) to an intrinsically safe barrier box 36 which provides further communication to a coordinator 38. The coordinator 38 provides communication between local devices at the fuel dispenser 12 and external components of the system via a suitable communications protocal. As can be seen, this example, utilizes “LoRa” as the communications protocol, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable wireless or wired protocol can be used.

[0042] Toward this end, coordinator 38 in this case receives wired input from barrier box 36 and wireless inputs from sensors 40 and 42 indicative of various conditions at the fuel dispenser 12, such as tampering. When appropriate, such as when tampering is detected, communicator 38 communicates relevant information to appropriate personnel operating a computing device 44 running a suitable software application employed by the user. One skilled in the ait will appreciate that the computing device may take various forms, such as a laptop or desktop computer, or a tablet computer, in different applications. The user application generates UI with which the person interacts. In this case, the user is located remote from the fueling site, so communication occurs via a cloud-based network server (as indicated at 46) facilitated by a suitable gateway 48 (e.g., “LoRa Gateway Cellular Backhaul”) located at the fueling site (e.g., in a ‘Tackroom” of the associated convenience store aka “C store”).

[0043] In some presently preferred embodiments, coordinator 38 may itself include various sensors that can indicate tampering, environmental conditions, or operational health. For example, coordinator 38 may include temperature sensing components and / or an accelerometer for vibration monitoring so that preventative maintenance can be performed when necessary or desired.

[0044] As can be seen, a mechanism 50 may be provided to cutoff power to the fuel dispenser 12 when desired, such as when tampering is detected. In this case, a normally-closed solid state relay (“NC SSR”) opens under the command of communicator 38 to cutoff power to the dispenser. The input to the NC SSR may vary depending on the situation, such as 2-wire or AC power in various embodiments. Operation of coordinator 38 to interrupt power may be automatic with the user informed or based on a command from the user as described above.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment which is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In this case, however, the user’s computing device 44 running the user application generating the UI is located at the fueling site rather than remote as was the case in FIG. 2. The gateway device, indicated by the reference number 48’, is therefore not connected to the cellular backhaul but is instead connected to local infrastructure devices, such as suitable tank monitor 52. In this example, the site monitor 52 takes the form of a TLS-450PLUS automatic tank gauge (ATG) sold by Veeder-Root Company, although one skilled in the ail will appreciate that any suitable tank monitor may be used. In this case, the tank monitor 52 communicates via wired or wireless communication (such as LAN Wi-Fi) with the user’scomputing device. It will be appreciated that the user application may take various forms as necessary or desired. For example, the user application may be a separate mobile app (or an option of a larger site management app), an application running on the tank monitor 52 accessible by a browser interface on the computing device 44, or a software as a service application running on a remote server to which the tank monitor 52 reports.

[0046] Referring now to FIGs. 4 and 5, certain additional aspects of embodiments of a tamper prevention system according to the present invention will be explained. In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the fueling site has a plurality of fuel dispensers (or “gas pumps”), designated 14a- 14f. Each of the fuel dispensers includes a coordinator node (similar to that described above) which communicates with respective main door and printer door sensors (or other sensors as necessary or desired) on side A and side B. The coordinator may communicator with the sensors utilizing any suitable wired or wireless protocol. In this case, for example, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) protocol is utilized, although Zigbee, etc. may be utilized in other cases. In addition, a bridge node 54 may be associated with the gateway 48. Bridge node 54 communicates with all the fuel dispensers via a suitable wireless protocol, e.g., such as MiWi or another wireless mesh network technology. Information received from the fuel dispensers, and commands back to the fuel dispensers, are communicated between bridge node 54 and gateway 48 by any suitable method such as UART.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows in greater detail various components within one of the fuel dispensers 12. Sensor nodes 56a-b respectively indicate to coordinator 38 whether main doors on side A or side B of the fuel dispenser are open. Similarly, sensor nodes 58a-b respectively indicate to coordinator 38 whether printer doors on side A or side B of the fuel dispenser are open. The sensors 56 and 58 may communicate with coordinator 38 via any suitable wired or wireless protocol, such as via a wireless mesh network.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows actions that may be taken by a site manager or approved monitoring service on the one hand or an authorized service contractor on the other hand.

[0049] FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing certain method steps that may be performed utilizing a fuel dispenser tamper prevention system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The methodology starts at 100 and branches to 102 if access to the interior of the fuel dispenser has been authorized. In this event, as indicated at 104, the tamper prevention (security) system is disabled utilizing the UI of the user softwareapplication. The service / maintenance is then performed, as indicated at 106. Next, as indicated at 108, the tamper prevention system is reactivated by the authorized personnel. Optionally, or in addition, the tamper prevention system may be reactivated automatically, such as after a preselected period of time. This branch of the process ends at 110.

[0050] In the case of unauthorized access, the process proceeds along the branch indicated at 112. For example, as indicated at 114, a door sensor may indicate unexpected door opening or other tampering. If so, the process proceeds along one of two sub-branches depending on the configuration of the taper prevention system. For example, as indicated at 116, the tamper prevention system may be configured so that the fuel dispenser is disabled automatically. Power to the fuel dispenser is then interrupted, e.g., via a relay opening a two-wire current loop as indicated at 118. As indicated at 120, a notification is then sent to authorized personnel in any appropriate manner, such as via instant message on the UI, text message, automated phone call, etc. At that point, as indicated at 122, appropriate personnel (such as an authorized service contractor, “ASC”) is notified to perform an inspection of the dispenser. When the fuel dispenser can be restored to service, the appropriate personnel (e.g., either the ASC or site manager) may enable the fuel dispenser through the remote UI, as indicated at 124. The relay is then closed, as indicated at 126, so that the power is restored.

[0051] In another configuration, as indicated at 128, the tamper prevention system may be set up in a “manual dispenser disable mode.” As indicated at 130, appropriate personnel is instructed that an intrusion has been detected. Utilizing the remote UI, a command to disable the fuel dispenser is issued as indicated at 132. As a result, power to the fuel dispenser is then inteiTupted, e.g., via a relay opening a two- wire current loop as indicated at 134. This sub-branch thus concludes and the process continues at step 122 as described above.

[0052] Turning now to FIGs. 8-9, additional network diagrams of a wireless dispenser tamper prevention system are shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the tamper prevention system is implemented in the fuel dispenser utilizing a plurality of LoRa radios 200, one of which is below the vapor barrier 34 and one or more of which are above the vapor barrier 34. For example, the radios 200 may be those sold under the trademark xDot® that are available from Multitech. Each radio is separately programmed and communicates wirelessly with a gateway 248 in the backroom of the C store. Radios 200 are in communication with a respective door sensor (and / or other tamper sensor), and may also have other sensors, such as one or more of atemperature and humidity sensors, for preventative maintenance. As shown, one of the radios 200 is configured to actuate a NC SSR 50 to cutoff power to the dispenser when tampering is detected. The cutoff command may be given by a user via the UI at computing device 44 via network server 46’. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the other side of the fuel dispenser 12 will include a similar' arrangement.

[0053] A similar embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9. In this case, however, a plurality of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radios 300 are associated with each side of the fuel dispenser. For example, a first BLE radio 300 may be located below the dispenser’s vapor barrier while one or more other BLE radios 300 may be located above the dispenser’s vapor barrier. Radios 300 are in communication with a respective door (and / or other tamper) sensor, and may also have other sensors, such as one or more of a temperature and humidity sensors, for preventative maintenance.

[0054] The BLE radios 300 communicate wirelessly with an external radio 302 that converts the BLE signals to a longer- range wireless format. In this embodiment, for example, radio 302 converts the BLE signals to xDot format and vice versa. Radio 302 communicates wirelessly with a gateway 248 in the backroom. In addition, radio 302 is configured to actuate a NC SSR 50 to cutoff power to the dispenser when tampering is detected. The cutoff command may be given by a user via the UI at computing device 44 via network server 46’.

[0055] Through a detailed description of the exemplary embodiments provided herein, it is evident that the invention offers numerous advantages and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the prior ail. The described embodiments have been shown and described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments will undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art, but these variations and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations may include one or more of the following features:1. Integrate with Invenco by Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s (GVR) Insite360 o Send alert notifications to IS360 for monitoring2. Integrate with Veeder-Root Wireless 4 Platform3. Smart Lock integration4. Customer Experience o Add-on sensors for inside convenience stores o Compatibility with 3rdparty sensorso Asset management o Temperature monitoring (cold or freezer rooms) o Predictive I preventative maintenance alerts5. Security Offering o Expansion to non-GVR dispenser locations o Coverage for other installed equipment (e.g., carwash payment, EV chargers)6. Direct to cloud connectivity7. Extended range options - 2 km or more line of sight8. Multiple gateways on a single site to add as repeaters or to add more nodes o As repeaters / extenders or primary / secondary on a network able to aggregate data o To allow for large number of sensors on a site

[0056] Such modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the spirt and scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A fuel dispenser comprising: a cabinet defining a lower hydraulics compartment and an upper compartment separated by a vapor barrier; the cabinet having at least one first door openable to allow access to at least a portion of the lower hydraulics compartment and at least one second door openable to allow access to at least a portion of the upper compartment; a first door sensor operative to determine if the first door is opened; a second door sensor operative to determine if the second door is opened; at least one radio in communication with at least one of the first door sensor and the second door sensor, the at least one radio being operative to transmit information wirelessly from the fuel dispenser indicating whether the first door or the second door is opened; and a relay operative to disconnect power to the fuel dispenser if an unauthorized opening of the first door or the second door is detected.

2. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one radio is configured as a coordinator node in communication with both of the first door sensor and the second door sensor.

3. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 2, wherein the coordinator node communicates wirelessly with the first door sensor and the second door sensor.

4. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 3, wherein the coordinator node communicates with the first door sensor and the second door sensor utilizing BLE protocol.

5. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 2, wherein the relay opens in response to a command from the coordinator node.

6. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 4, wherein the command is generated remotely and received at the coordinator node.

7. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 4, wherein the command is generated locally at the coordinator node.

8. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 6, wherein the coordinator node reports that the first door or the second door is open to a remote location.

9. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein the relay comprises a normally closed solid state relay.

10. A fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fuel dispenser has plural sides at which fuel can be dispensed.

11. A fuel dispenser tamper prevention system comprising: a fueling site having a plurality of fuel dispensers, each of the fuel dispensers including at least one tampering sensor and a radio in communication with the tampering sensor; the fuel dispensers further having a relay operative to disconnect power to the fuel dispenser if an unauthorized tampering of one of the fuel dispensers is detected; the fueling site having a gateway device in wireless communication with the radio of each of the fuel dispensers; and the gateway being operative to receive a command instructing power to be disconnected from the one of the fuel dispensers in response to the unauthorized tampering.

12. A fuel dispenser tamper prevention system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the at least one tampering sensor comprises at least one door sensor.

13. A fuel dispenser tamper prevention system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the at least one door sensor comprises at least first and second door sensors on both of two sides of the fuel dispenser.

14. A fuel dispenser tamper prevention system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the first door sensor detects opening of a first door allowing access to a compartment below a vapor barrier of the fuel dispenser and the second door sensor detects opening of a second door allowing access to a compartment above the vapor bander.

15. A fuel dispenser tamper prevention system as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the relay comprises a normally closed solid state relay.

16. A fuel dispenser tamper prevention system as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a computing device at the fueling site, the computing device running a software application generating a user interface at which a user may interact with the tamper prevention system.

17. A method of preventing unauthorized tampering with a fuel dispenser, the method comprising steps of: during a time in which door opening is not authorized, detecting that a door of the fuel dispenser has been opened; wirelessly transmitting a signal indicating that the door was opened to a selected recipient; and either: automatically interrupting power to the fuel dispenser, or receiving a command from the selected recipient to interrupt power to the fuel dispenser and electronically doing so.

18. A method of preventing unauthorized tampering with a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim17, further comprising: during a time in which door opening is authorized, ignoring indications that the door of the fuel dispenser has been opened.

19. A method of preventing unauthorized tampering with a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim18, further comprising: receiving a command that door opening is no longer authorized.

20. A method of preventing unauthorized tampering with a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 18, further comprising: resetting to a state that door opening is no longer authorized after a preselected period of time.

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