Andrew R.
Yelp
Double...no, TRIPLE CHECK that the cashier recognizes the denomination of $ bill you hand them. They took $5 from me that I did not get back!
Earlier tonight, Sunday, July 18th 2021, at around 10:45pm, I stopped by this Taco Bell location and my total was $13 even (I remember thinking to myself I won't have any change to round up for charity as they usually ask if you want to round your total up). As I pulled out my cash, I had a few $20s, one $10, and one $5, I specifically remember deciding to pay with a $20 so I can have an extra $5 and $1s. I also specifically remember folding the $20 bill lengthwise in between my thumb, index, and middle finger and it was facing downward as I handed it to the cashier (that's how I know I gave her a $20). She takes my money as she's talking with a coworker and hands me back two $1 bills. I figured she was just distracted as she was talking with someone as she took my money, no big deal. I check the receipt and it says I paid $15 instead of the $20 I know I handed her; I still have the one $10 and $5 in my wallet so I know for a fact I did not give her $15. When she opens the window again to hand me my food, I let her know that I had given her a $20, not $15, and that she only gave me $2 back. She didn't doubt that she gave me $2 back so there's no confusion about that, she responds by asking, "you gave me a $20?" And I tell her yes so my change was missing $5. She asks for a moment and closes the window. A few minutes go by and I'm hoping they are trying to determine a way to confirm the bill I gave her; maybe check the cameras? Another worker (possibly manager) comes and opens the window to tell me that since the cashier tapped the "$15" button on the Point of Sale screen that that is in fact what I handed her. As if there's no possible way she may have made a mistake and hit the wrong button.
Now, I work in a restaurant myself, I would never complain about insignificant errors because I understand people make mistakes, we all do, no one is perfect. However, when there's a mistake with payment, I feel it warrants a little more attention and desire to correct it. I know there are people out there who try "short change" scamming businesses, but for only $5 I never thought that would even come to anyone's mind during this experience. When I realized they truly believed I was lying or I was wrong, and that they truly believed there was no possible way the cashier made a mistake (mind you, she was distracted as she took my money), I told them I know for 100% fact that I handed them a $20 bill but there was no convincing them. Since I wasn't getting my $5 back I ultimately asked them to at least put that $5 towards whatever charity it is they always ask customers to donate their rounded up change to. At the end of the night, when they count the cash drawer, they will realize there's an extra $5 in there and they will realize their error. I just hope they actually put that $5 towards the charity like I asked them to.
I've always had friendly service at this location, even the start of this visit, and every single worker I've had interaction with here has always been in a good mood and kind as can be. The only difference tonight was they were not willing to accept that they made a mistake and correct that mistake. Since it cost me $5, I'm here to warn others so that they don't lose money as well. Others may not be as fortunate as myself to so easily let go of $5.
Tldr: Taco Bell gave me the wrong change, refused to correct their mistake. Make sure the cashiers at this location acknowledge how much money you are giving them, especially if they are distracted while accepting your cash.
I would post a picture of my receipt but they took it and never gave it back.