Lately, it seems that deceptive tipping practices have become more common.
As tipflation results in more tipping requests and higher tipped totals, customers have noticed some tip trickery on their bills. For example, some have alleged that the automatic tip suggestions provided by restaurants significantly inflate tip calculations. Others claim that some restaurants are automatically adding tips to takeout orders.
This is one of many reasons why diners are finding themselves taking a closer look at their bills before signing off on them. According to TikTok user and server @incasethemayanswe, they’re right to do so.
What Happened At This Restaurant?
In a video with over 475,000 views, the TikToker advises diners to “make sure you put in the total on the receipt after you fill in the tip portion, and then sign it.”
As for why this is so important, she says it relates to her experience working at a restaurant “a long time ago.”
According to the TikToker, she used to work with someone who was a “very pretty girl” but a “horrible … server.” Despite her poor service, the TikToker says she would consistently leave with more tips than other team members.
“I left every day with, maybe like, $100, $150. Really good days, like $200,” she says. “But this [server] was leaving with like $350, almost $400 on good days.”
Curious as to how she could maximize her tips, the TikToker asked the server what she was doing to boost tip totals. Her response left the TikToker shocked.
How Was This Server Increasing Her Tips?
The key to these large tips, it turns out, was careful editing of the customers’ receipts.
“She [had] this guy’s receipt. She got tipped $3. The total was left blank,” the TikToker recalls. “Where it said $3, there was like a little space. And so, she took her … pen and put in a zero after the number three.”
“So that three-dollar tip turned into $30, just by a … simple zero,” she states.
The TikToker says she did not report this practice to management, as she was new and she “didn’t feel like that was my place.” That said, she suspects that this customer was not the only one upon whom this receipt edit was made.
“That’s a criminal offense. Like, that’s an arrestable offense,” the TikToker states.
Still, the TikToker says she tried to prevent the woman from pulling the same stunt with other customers. To do so, she says she encouraged customers to fill out the entire receipt, total included.
“If you frequent the bars and restaurants make sure you do this ALWAYS!!!!!” she adds in the caption.
Is This Illegal?
As previously reported by BroBible, it’s illegal for servers to change the total on a bill after the customer has signed it.
In the state of Florida, Statute § 817.645 makes it illegal to alter any invoice for a credit card charge after it has been signed, as long as the alteration was done with the “intent to defraud.”
Depending on how much money one steals using this method, they could face either a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony charge. Punishments for these charges range from one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
If you suspect that your server has altered your bill to overcharge you, there are a few steps you can take. For example, you can dispute the transaction with your credit card. Alternatively, you can contact the restaurant to try to figure out how the error happened and seek a resolution. Users on Reddit report success resolving the problem directly with the restaurant.
@incasethemayanswe If you frequent the bars and restaurants make sure you do this ALWAYS!!!!! 🚩🚩🚩🚩
Commenters Have Advice
In the comments section, users offered further advice to make sure viewers don’t fall victim to this crime.
“My mom taught me this: ALWAYS draw a line at the end of the total or tip such as: $50— so that no one can mess w it,” wrote a user.
“And if you tip cash, write CASH on the tip line,” added another.
“My banker told me to always take the customer receipt. Because if they do exactly what you explained, you can dispute it,” suggested a third. “If not, they can give themselves any tip they want.”
BroBible reached out to @incasethemayanswe via TikTok and Instagram direct message.