A viral video shared by Right Angle News has reignited fears over a supposed gas pump scam that many experts now say may not actually work the way social media claims. The clip, posted on May 26, shows a man using a power drill to place a screw into the nozzle cradle of a fuel pump at an unidentified gas station in the United States.
The footage spread across X within hours, fueled by warnings that the trick could leave fuel transactions open after customers drive away. According to the claims attached to the video, unsuspecting drivers could unknowingly pay for fuel pumped by someone else if the nozzle does not properly reset after use.
The video itself is edited into several close-up shots. One frame focuses on the screw lodged inside the nozzle holder, another captures the man drilling into the pump housing, while a separate angle shows him walking away carrying the drill after the installation.
Even though the visuals appear alarming, investigators, gas pump technicians, and fact-checkers have cast serious doubt on whether the alleged scam actually functions as described. Despite the panic online, there has been little verified evidence proving that the “screw method” has successfully stolen fuel charges from victims.
Viral Video Sparks New Gas Pump Panic
The clip posted by Right Angle News arrived during a wave of online warnings about suspicious activity at fuel stations across several states, including Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, and parts of Metro Detroit. Social media users have spent weeks sharing photos of screws found near pump nozzles, with many claiming they were evidence of organized fraud schemes targeting drivers.
According to the viral explanation, scammers insert a drywall or carpenter screw into the nozzle cradle to interfere with the pump’s reset mechanism. The theory suggests that after a customer pays at the pump, fills up, and hangs the nozzle back in place, the screw prevents the system from recognizing the transaction has ended.
Under that scenario, the fuel pump allegedly remains active under the previous customer’s payment authorization. A second person could then remove the nozzle and continue pumping fuel charged to the original driver’s bank card.
The claims gained traction because of how believable the setup appears in the video. A man discreetly drilling into a gas pump naturally triggered concerns online, especially as fears surrounding credit card fraud and skimming devices continue growing across the country.
Experts Say the Theory Does Not Match Pump Design
Despite the widespread concern, many industry professionals say the scam narrative does not align with how modern gas pumps actually operate. Technicians familiar with pump systems argue that the reset process is usually triggered by the movement of the nozzle lever and internal flap, not by the nozzle sitting perfectly flush inside the cradle.
In many pump designs, inserting a screw into the holder would not stop the reset process from occurring. Some experts say it could even interfere with normal pump use and make the nozzle difficult to return properly after fueling.
The controversy became large enough that fact-checking outlet Snopes investigated the claims and rated the viral warnings false. According to the report, officials were unable to verify documented cases where the trick successfully kept transactions open for fuel theft.
One of the most cited examples came from Queen Anne’s County in Maryland, where local authorities initially warned residents about the alleged scam before later retracting the advisory. Officials later acknowledged they could not confirm the reports and described the claims as unfounded.
Social Media Amplifies Fear and Confusion
Replies beneath the original post reveal a divided reaction from viewers. Some users insisted the tactic was real and urged drivers to inspect pumps carefully before fueling, while others dismissed the entire story as internet fearmongering driven by misunderstanding.
Several commenters noted that screws are sometimes legitimately installed during maintenance or repair work on pump hardware. Others argued that the video may simply show someone fixing a loose component rather than attempting fraud.
Screws are beginning to appear in gas pump nozzle holders at American gas stations, and one man was caught on video installing one as concerns grow that thieves and fraudulent stations are using them to siphon money from customers. pic.twitter.com/mds0oTE08m
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) May 26, 2026
Still, the viral nature of the footage demonstrates how powerful visual evidence can be online, even when the underlying claims remain disputed. A short clip showing a man with a drill beside a gas pump was enough to trigger nationwide speculation about a hidden scam spreading across American fuel stations.
Drivers Still Urged To Stay Alert
Although the alleged screw method lacks verified proof, consumer safety experts still encourage drivers to practice caution when paying at the pump. Many recommend waiting until the display fully resets to $0.00 and ensuring the screen offers a receipt before leaving the station.
Some motorists prefer paying inside the store or using cash to reduce concerns about unauthorized charges. Monitoring bank statements for suspicious activity also remains one of the best defenses against card fraud in general.
For now, the “gas pump screw scam” appears to fall into a familiar category of viral internet warnings where fear spreads faster than confirmed evidence. Yet the dramatic video shared by Right Angle News has ensured the debate surrounding fuel pump security is unlikely to fade anytime soon.