Heard about the gas station ‘screw method’ scam? It’s totally fake

If you have been scrolling through social media lately, you may have encountered a concerning warning regarding a so-called “screw method” gas station scam. The rumors suggest that fraudsters are placing screws into nozzle cradles to trick gas pumps into staying active after you walk away, allowing them to fill up their tanks on your tab.

Is the Screw Method Real?

With gas prices frequently exceeding $5 a gallon, the idea of being targeted at the pump is enough to make anyone anxious. However, here at 205focus.com, we have some reassuring news: the entire story is a viral hoax.

According to the myth-busting experts at Snopes, there has not been a single verified case of this scam occurring. The fact-checking site officially rated the claim as false, noting that those spreading the warning have failed to provide any credible evidence or reports of such criminal activity.

Where Did the Rumor Start?

The confusion largely stems from a social media post shared by the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff in Maryland. The department has since updated that post to clarify that the reports were unfounded. A spokesperson explained to Snopes that the situation actually originated as a simple maintenance issue rather than a criminal scheme.

Pump Technology Protects You

Beyond the lack of evidence, major gas station chains have confirmed that modern pumps are equipped with automatic shutoff mechanisms specifically designed to prevent this type of theft. While gas prices themselves remain a headache for commuters, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the “screw method” is nothing more than an internet myth.