It seems we've been "had" again, folks. Along with those scary but seldom accurate virus warnings from well-meaning friends, comes a frightening rumour regarding the risks of refueling a car with cellphone in hand.

Naming the Shell Oil Company as its source, the story claims that a cellphone was placed on a car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump. In another instance, someone allegedly suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling. Cellphones can ignite fuel or fumes, the tale continues, and mobile phones that light up when switched on can release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition.

Nonsense, says engadget.com. Absolutely not true. Yet there is truth to the claim that fires can result from static electricity at gas pumps. The Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to make people aware of fires as a result of static electricity. It researched 150 cases and found that many involved women who returned to their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished they pulled the nozzle out and a fire started as a result of static charges.

My personal pump philosophy: (1) Engine off and always remove the key to avoid locking oneself out. (2) Vehicle in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual), handbrake on. (3) Never, ever, attempt to force additional fuel into the tank after the pump shuts off. (4)Never walk away while fueling is in progress. (5) And never call anyone or answer the cellphone until the fuel cap is secured.