I believe this to be somewhat true and somewhat staged. But, the truth is there.
About three years ago I went to a friends house to see if I could figure out what was wrong with their washing machine. It would fill, drain, but no movement in the tub. I'm pretty sure I mentioned the story here at one point. In fact, I think I posted a picture of the pile of coins I took out of that machine. I can't remember the amount other than it paid for an 18 pack and several games of pool.