Double tip scam
No free lunch. When you’re entertaining business clients, every penny can count. But we’ve heard that some restaurants are using your business discussions as a way to double their tips. Sometimes a “discretionary” service charge, e.g. 12.5%, is added to bills. If you’re not eagle-eyed you will miss it. This is what the restaurant is hoping for and so you’ll leave an additional tip.
How’s it done? When you ask to pay, your server gives you the hand-held terminal, having already keyed in the amount of your bill, plus the service charge. You won’t be aware of this as the machine simply asks “Add a gratuity? Press yes or no”. If you say “yes”, you’re tipping twice!
Have a look. Most restaurants are entirely honest but alwayscheck your bill carefully. If a tip has already been added, don’t pay it again and never authorise a payment if you didn’t see the amount put in.
Tip. Avoid any embarrassment by paying away from the table, which will also prevent credit and debit cards being taken out of your sight.
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