A warning to anyone who taps their card

“Would you like your receipt?” asked the cashier at my local IGA.
 
I shook my head. I always shake my head.
 
After all, most receipts are a waste of paper and ink. And I know that if I do take one, just to be nice, I’ll shove it in my pocket and it’ll invariably end up going through the wash and Liz will yell at me.
 
In fact, if I’m buying something cheap these days I don’t even hang around to get asked the question.
 
I’m tapping, and I’m going!
 
As soon as I hear the ‘beep’ I’m off. “Stop me if it doesn’t go through”, I say as I charge out of the store.  
 
Yet this week I got a shocking letter that has made me slow the hell down at the store.
 
Hi Scott,
 
My husband did a silly thing. He often goes to a local bakery for a chicken sandwich, paying with his debit card. Last week, he did his usual routine: ordered, tapped his card, entered his PIN, picked up the sandwich, and continued on with his day.
 
Over the weekend, he noticed the bakery had charged him $1,300, not $13. He called the bakery, thinking it was a mistake. However, the owner accused him of being a scammer and refused a refund!
 
He then disputed it with the bank. The bank said that entering his PIN meant he had authorised the charge. So we’re now out $1,300 for a sandwich!
 
Natasha
 
Struth!
 
Talk about a sh…nitzel sandwich.
 
Thankfully my bank flashes up the transaction on my Apple watch and phone after I leave the store.
 
Your husband should definitely get that feature.
 
Yet here’s what I’d do about your situation.
 
First, I’d gather the evidence: get the bank to verify the merchant was indeed the bakery, and then print off the statement. I’d hand it to the bakery and ask very politely that they reverse the transaction.
 
And if they refuse, I’d tell them that your next stop is to the police station where you’re intending to press charges for theft.
 
Tread Your Own Path!