Customer Alleges Drive-Thru Cashier Added Tip Without Permission at Ice Cream Shop
FLORIDA — A customer’s post on social media has gone viral after they accused a drive-thru cashier at Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of secretly adding a tip to their bill without consent — and then attempting to hide the evidence.
The customer, who identified themselves as Owen in a Reddit post, shared a photo of their receipt showing a $1 tip added to their $12.38 order for two milkshakes. “Drivethru cashier added a tip without my consent,” the caption read.
According to Owen, the cashier never displayed the usual tablet prompt to ask for a tip during checkout. Sensing something was off, he requested a copy of his receipt.
“I was suspicious and asked for my receipt,” he wrote. “They made me wait eight minutes before giving me one that was really faded — they tried to rub off the ink for the tip.”
Customer Claims Attempt to Cover Up Unauthorized Charge
The customer said the faded receipt still showed the $1 tip, prompting him to confront the cashier. “They took the receipt and balled it up,” he explained. Another employee allegedly stepped in, offering to refund the amount if Owen returned his card.
“There was no apology, no hint of remorse at all,” he wrote. “I refused to give them my card back and I’m trying to get in contact with the franchise owner, but they haven’t responded to my email.”
The incident has raised questions about tipping transparency and consumer trust at drive-thru locations, where digital payment systems are often used but not always visible to customers.
Social Media Reaction and Growing Frustration Over ‘Tip Creep’
The post quickly spread across Reddit, where users expressed frustration over what some are calling “tip fraud.” “If this happened once, you can bet it’s happened before,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “This is exactly why I check every single receipt before leaving the window.”
The discussion also reignited debate over “tip creep” — the growing trend of businesses prompting for tips in situations that traditionally didn’t require them, such as takeout, drive-thrus, or self-checkout kiosks.
“I already tip generously when I choose to, but adding one without asking is theft,” another user commented. “There should be legal consequences for that.”
Drivethru cashier added a tip without my consent.
byu/LauraD2423 inmildlyinfuriating
Consumer Protection and Accountability
Financial experts warn that unauthorized tip additions, while rare, can constitute fraud. Consumers are encouraged to always review their receipts before leaving a drive-thru and report any discrepancies to their bank or card issuer immediately.
“Even small unauthorized charges can indicate systemic issues,” said retail analyst Brenda Hale. “Franchise owners should take immediate action when such complaints arise — otherwise, they risk losing community trust.”
As of now, Owen says Bruster’s corporate office has not yet responded to his inquiry. The viral post continues to attract attention from frustrated customers nationwide, many sharing similar stories of unauthorized tips or incorrect charges at drive-thru locations.
Have you ever noticed an unexplained charge on your food receipt? Share your experience and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
