Whether dining out frequently or on special occasions, the frustration of being overcharged by restaurants can leave anyone dissatisfied. It’s essential to stay informed about the common tactics they use to increase profits. This blog highlights 11 widespread restaurant scams that can leave you feeling cheated and financially strained
Daily Specials
Restaurants strategically feature these specials to create an impression of exclusivity and sophistication, subtly nudging customers towards spending more. Unfortunately, this increased cost doesn’t always correlate with an improvement in quality or portion size. It’s not uncommon for these specials to be repurposed from existing ingredients or simply marked up for profit.
To avoid feeling shortchanged, it’s advisable to delve deeper before ordering. Take a moment to check online reviews or ask fellow diners about their experiences with the specials. This extra step can provide valuable insights into whether the special truly delivers on its promise of culinary delight or if it’s better to opt for a tried-and-true favorite from the regular menu.
Extra Service Charges
Many of these charges typically fall under service fees or table fees. Approximately 15% of fast-food establishments now apply a service fee, contributing to the rising cost of dining out. These charges are sometimes confused with tips.
Customers might inadvertently double-tip by paying the service charge along with an additional tip left on the table.
Portion Control Tactics
Certain restaurants employ subtle strategies to maximize profits. In dishes like pasta or side servings, which aren’t measured by weight, they may reduce portion sizes and justify it by emphasizing quality over quantity.
Diners naturally anticipate a reasonable portion size relative to the price paid. However, these deceptive practices often leave customers feeling dissatisfied and hungry, significantly affecting their dining enjoyment.
Overpricing Bottled Water
It’s a common practice for many restaurants to charge more than the printed price on bottled water, resulting in an unexpectedly inflated bill for diners. This markup serves as an additional revenue stream for restaurants, helping them offset operational expenses and boost their profit margins.
Restaurants operate with a keen eye on profitability, and overcharging for bottled water is one way they achieve this goal. By exploiting the convenience and necessity of bottled water in dining settings, establishments capitalize on customer willingness to pay for the perceived luxury or convenience.
To avoid unnecessary expenses, diners can opt for tap water, which is typically offered free of charge. This simple choice can lead to significant savings over the course of a meal, making it a prudent decision for budget-conscious patrons.
Ingredient Substitution Scams
One of the most egregious tactics employed by restaurants involves cost-cutting measures through the substitution of inferior or unhealthy ingredients without disclosure on the menu. This practice not only deceives customers but can also have serious health implications. For instance, a person with a peanut allergy could unknowingly be served a dish containing peanuts substituted in place of the advertised ingredients, putting them at risk of a severe allergic reaction.
Manipulating Unsealed Water Bottles
An important indicator of a water bottle’s integrity is its seal, which assures consumers that the contents haven’t been tampered with. This scam frequently involves twist-off cap bottles, which can be deceptively presented as unopened even after tampering has occurred.
Deceptive Promotions
Restaurants often use special offers, discounts, or promotions to encourage higher spending, but these may conceal terms and conditions that are not immediately obvious to customers.
For example, you might see a buy-one-get-one-free deal on cold drinks, only to discover later that you need to buy two drinks to qualify, a detail hidden in fine print. Such practices can lead to unexpected expenses and disappointment.
To avoid being misled and overspending, it’s advisable to read reviews in advance, calculate costs independently, and carefully review the fine print for any hidden terms or conditions. This approach helps ensure you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses when dining out.
Unauthorized Charges
In restaurants, staff may add items to your bill that you didn’t order, whether dining in or getting take-out/delivery, potentially resulting in double charges. Protect yourself by thoroughly checking your bill before paying. Compare items with your orders, and if something seems wrong, ask questions. For take-out or delivery, keep your receipts as proof of purchase to resolve any discrepancies.
Restaurant Reviews
Recently, a troubling trend has surfaced involving scammers who manipulate Google Maps by posting fabricated restaurant reviews in exchange for monetary compensation, as reported by Social Places. In today’s digital age, potential diners often rely heavily on Google ratings and reviews to gauge the quality and atmosphere of restaurants before visiting.
These deceptive practices not only mislead consumers but also erode trust in the authenticity of online reviews. Genuine customers may find it challenging to distinguish between legitimate and fake feedback, complicating their decision-making process when choosing where to dine.
Credit Card Skimming
Credit card skimming involves capturing and storing a customer’s credit card details using a device during payment. This happens when restaurant staff swipe the card through a skimming device, secretly gathering magnetic strip data without the customer’s awareness.
Dishonest employees may also use portable skimmers to swipe cards illicitly before processing legitimate transactions. To protect yourself, especially without contactless payment options, stay vigilant. Watch your card during swipes and monitor your account for unauthorized transactions. These steps help prevent credit card fraud and misuse.
High Corkage Fees
Restaurants sometimes impose steep corkage fees when customers bring their own wine or alcohol, which can significantly exceed reasonable costs. These fees are intended to compensate for potential lost revenue from beverage sales and cover the restaurant’s overheads, such as glassware, storage, and service.
