Money Moral Dilemma: I got paid to eat lunch, but should I own up?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I bought two sandwiches for £7.50 in total in my local cafe and paid by contactless. It all seemed to go through fine, but when I checked my account the cafe had actually refunded me £7.50 - meaning they're essentially now £15 down. I was going to go in and explain what happened as I don't want a small business to lose money, but I also don't want the young assistant who was struggling with the lunchtime rush to get into trouble - should I just leave it?

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Torry_Quine

Of course you should go on and point out  what happened.

Dozers_Princess

It’s likely they’ll already have noticed the till being down, so I wouldn’t let this deter you from returning the money. 

However if you don’t want to explain what happened you could leave an anonymous tip for the £15!

laurawh87

I'd just go in and make up and excuse like your card was having trouble and say it happened in another shop. No one gets in to trouble crossfingers and you've paid

_nate

They probably won't notice, almost definitely have better things to do, and if you tell them, you surely increase the risk of the staff getting into trouble.

iclayt

If you're worried about the young assistant getting in trouble it would be kind of you to let them know. Call or if they have an FB page perhaps send a message. Obviously places vary but it's entirely possible they noticed the till being down at the end of the day and eyebrows might be raised. Far better the assistant gets a refresher on the till incase it happens again.

denem

Everyone can make a mistake. Go back and give them their money, after all you have eaten their sandwich. Try and speak to the assistant who served you and explain what happened. 
If nothing else happens, at least you will not have it on your conscience for not having reported it. Honesty is paramount.

LMCJ

Yes 100%. This is a local eatery that you should want to support. In light of what the hospitality industry has gone through over the last year, I think its really important that you go back and offer to pay up. 

WolverineSW11

Mmmm, if the 'sandwich shop' is one of those that avoid paying UK tax, then do nothing ( they avoid paying 10's of thousands of pounds in tax, so £15 is 'nothing' to them), if on the other hand it was a one man band place that really does need to survive, then go back and ask to speak with the shop manager and explain the situation. You may get a free drink (that will save them money and gain you your loyalty to their place) for being honest.

As a certain game show host used to say 'The choice is yours' .

This is one of the first conundrums on here that has warranted me responding.

Hadenoughofitall

Anyone charging £7.50 for a couple of sandwiches deserves to be turned over.

joanne_w

I would go back to the café and see if you can speak to the same assistant who served you. That mistake could’ve been made quite a few times and it might help him/her to realise the mistake before they get fired. Also you will have a clear conscience afterwards.