Have you ever felt that pang of doubt when a customer tries to return something with a slightly too-good-to-be-true story? You’re not alone. Retail workers are constantly on the front lines, witnessing a wild array of scams and white lies from customers. We’ve compiled some of the most unbelievable stories shared by members of the BuzzFeed Community, and trust us, these tales will have you shaking your head in disbelief.
One restaurant manager, who we’ll call ‘savorypenguin59,’ shared a classic scam tactic: “People would call me and complain about some experience they had. Once I knew they were just trying to scam me, the story did not make sense; I would say let me have your address, and I’ll put a gift card in the mail to you. Then I would walk to the other chain restaurant nearby, buy a gift card and send it to them. Stay away from me. I do not want your business.” This clever tactic not only diffused the situation but also ensured the customer wouldn’t try it again.
Another story, shared by ‘lisafatgirlnamemcquade,’ highlights a disturbing trend of online scams targeting ADHD patients. “There seems to be an online ‘ADHD healthcare company’ scam on TikTok. A patient came to my office and requested a prescription for amphetamines (ADHD medication). I’m not a psychiatrist. I’m a specialty surgeon. I don’t treat ADHD or any other psychiatric conditions.” This patient had been scammed by a telehealth company that promised to help with ADHD but only delivered empty promises. This incident underscores the importance of thorough research and caution when seeking online medical services.
But not all scams are elaborate or malicious. Sometimes, customers just get a little too clever for their own good. ‘kelseyc48a791d61’ recalled a time when a customer ordered a salad combo at Subway, only to vanish into thin air before the employee could get their drink. It’s a story that speaks to the unpredictability of retail work and reminds us to appreciate the little victories (like finding a missing salad).
These stories are a reminder of the daily realities of retail work and the importance of staying alert and resourceful. They’re also a testament to the creativity and resilience of those who work in the industry. So next time you’re shopping, remember that behind the counter might be a seasoned veteran who has seen it all, from the mundane to the downright absurd. And if you have your own story of a customer trying to pull a fast one, share it in the comments below! We’d love to hear it.
