'Screw scam' spurs new fears for drivers when filling their tanks
EDITORS NOTE: More questions have been raised after a small town police department in Virginia posted on social media about an apparent "screw scam" involving a gas pump. Since then, some have said what was alleged as a potential scam is not possible or highly unlikely. FOX Television Station reporters have reached out to various government agencies across the country.An inspector with the Minnesota Department of Commerce Weights and Measures Division provided the following statement:"The few videos I have seen show someone jamming a screw into the boot of the dispenser, causing the internal activator to be pinned in an upward position. If this is truly how it’s done, then I am skeptical because the dispenser shuts off when you place the nozzle back into the boot. So, if I jammed something in there to make that internal valve stay up, then wouldn’t it behave as if the nozzle had been hung up? I would think you need the pump activated to do this. That said, we do have a tip for people so they don’t fall victim to this scam if it’s happening: Get a receipt. A receipt cannot be generated until the pump has been deactivated after fueling."FOX Television Station reporters also reached out to Gas Buddy, a popular mobile and web platform that helps drivers find the cheapest gas prices.
EDITORS NOTE: More questions have been raised after a small town police department in Virginia posted on social media about an apparent "screw scam" involving a gas pump. Since then, some have said what was alleged as a potential scam is not possible or highly unlikely. FOX Television Station reporters have reached out to various government agencies across the country.An inspector with the Minnesota Department of Commerce Weights and Measures Division provided the following statement:"The few videos I have seen show someone jamming a screw into the boot of the dispenser, causing the internal activator to be pinned in an upward position. If this is truly how it’s done, then I am skeptical because the dispenser shuts off when you place the nozzle back into the boot. So, if I jammed something in there to make that internal valve stay up, then wouldn’t it behave as if the nozzle had been hung up? I would think you need the pump activated to do this. That said, we do have a tip for people so they don’t fall victim to this scam if it’s happening: Get a receipt. A receipt cannot be generated until the pump has been deactivated after fueling."FOX Television Station reporters also reached out to Gas Buddy, a popular mobile and web platform that helps drivers find the cheapest gas prices.
Brendan Banfield sentenced to life in prison in au pair affair murder case
Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer who was having an affair with his family’s Brazilian au pair, was sentenced Friday to life in prison without parole for killing his wife and a man prosecutors say was lured to the couple’s home in a setup.
Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer who was having an affair with his family’s Brazilian au pair, was sentenced Friday to life in prison without parole for killing his wife and a man prosecutors say was lured to the couple’s home in a setup.
The states where residents earn the highest incomes
A new ranking reveals where Americans are earning the most overall and highlights the wide income gaps that persist across the country.
A new ranking reveals where Americans are earning the most overall and highlights the wide income gaps that persist across the country.
Former Va. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot wife, then himself inside Virginia home, police say
Authorities say former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before taking his own life inside their Annandale home early Thursday.
Authorities say former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before taking his own life inside their Annandale home early Thursday.
'Act of terrorism': Gunman dead after killing 1, injuring 2 at Old Dominion University
One person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, and the gunman is also dead, police said.
One person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, and the gunman is also dead, police said.
What we know about Mohamed Jalloh: Suspected Old Dominion shooter
Mohamed Jalloh, the suspected shooter at Old Dominion University Thursday, previously served 11 years in prison for supporting ISIS.
Mohamed Jalloh, the suspected shooter at Old Dominion University Thursday, previously served 11 years in prison for supporting ISIS.
Stimulus payment March 2026, IRS direct deposit relief, tariff dividend & tax refund fact check
Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends circulated widely throughout 2025, and they’re still making the rounds in 2026. The question is whether any of it actually checks out.
Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends circulated widely throughout 2025, and they’re still making the rounds in 2026. The question is whether any of it actually checks out.
Navy reservist accused of murdering wife believed to have fled to Hong Kong
A Navy reservist on active duty is accused of murdering his wife in Virginia before fleeing to Hong Kong, according to the FBI.
A Navy reservist on active duty is accused of murdering his wife in Virginia before fleeing to Hong Kong, according to the FBI.
2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: USPS, FedEx, UPS important dates to remember
With the holidays right around the corner, you need to be sure to mail packages early to ensure on-time delivery. Keep these essential 2025 shipping deadlines in mind from USPS, FedEx, and UPS to ensure your cards and gifts reach their destinations in time for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and other holidays.
With the holidays right around the corner, you need to be sure to mail packages early to ensure on-time delivery. Keep these essential 2025 shipping deadlines in mind from USPS, FedEx, and UPS to ensure your cards and gifts reach their destinations in time for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and other holidays.
Drunk raccoon found passed out in liquor store bathroom
The raccoon was released back into the wild after sobering up, per officials.
The raccoon was released back into the wild after sobering up, per officials.
Abigail Spanberger elected Virginia governor in historic first
Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s election, defeating Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears.
Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s election, defeating Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears.
November 4 Election Day 2025: What you need to know
Voters head to polls Tuesday in America’s first major election with key races in several states, including New Jersey and Virginia.
Voters head to polls Tuesday in America’s first major election with key races in several states, including New Jersey and Virginia.
Group in Halloween masks tries to break in home, threaten homeowners
A northern Virginia woman is speaking out and in hiding after masked men showed up to her door, making threats and trying to get inside.
A northern Virginia woman is speaking out and in hiding after masked men showed up to her door, making threats and trying to get inside.
Virginia woman wins lottery, donates it all to charity: 'I feel blessed'
One local woman is turning her luck into generosity and splitting her big check three ways, gifting thousands to three different charities.
One local woman is turning her luck into generosity and splitting her big check three ways, gifting thousands to three different charities.
City council cracks down on ‘vulgar’ merchandise at popular beach destination
Officials said the "vulgar merchandise" is tarnishing the area’s family-friendly image.
Officials said the "vulgar merchandise" is tarnishing the area’s family-friendly image.
Multiple law enforcement officers shot in southern Virginia, congressman says
Multiple law enforcement officers have been shot in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, according to U.S. Rep. John McGuire.
Multiple law enforcement officers have been shot in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, according to U.S. Rep. John McGuire.
Mountain town rocked after country singer's mom murdered in random home invasion
A sheriff in Virginia's historic Shenandoah Valley area said the fatal home invasion stabbing of a country music singer's mother is unlike "anything" he's ever seen.
A sheriff in Virginia's historic Shenandoah Valley area said the fatal home invasion stabbing of a country music singer's mother is unlike "anything" he's ever seen.
VIDEO: Alleged attempted kidnapper picks up toddler girl at shopping mall
Police shared a video of a man picking up a toddler at a shopping center.
Police shared a video of a man picking up a toddler at a shopping center.
Virginia councilman set on fire with gasoline by attacker at his workplace office
The suspect allegedly poured a 5-gallon bucket of gasoline on the councilman before setting him on fire.
The suspect allegedly poured a 5-gallon bucket of gasoline on the councilman before setting him on fire.
Man drives into crowd of protesters at 'No Kings' rally in Virginia
Police say a driver in an SUV intentionally drove into a crowd of protesters in Culpeper, hitting at least one person.
Police say a driver in an SUV intentionally drove into a crowd of protesters in Culpeper, hitting at least one person.