As takeaway culture booms, so too does the number of people trying to bag a refund or discount by making false reports, but few realise they could be committing fraud.
Food delivery services have never been more popular, with over a quarter (26%) of Brits ordering takeaway at least once a week. But as demand grows, so do the number of false claims about undelivered or missing items, something that could cost customers thousands in fines.
New research from Gower Eats, a food delivery service, reveals that customers who falsely claim their food hasn’t been delivered could fall foul of the Fraud Act 2006, which covers dishonest claims made for financial gain. In serious cases, this offence can carry heavy penalties, including fines of up to £5,000 or even up to 10 years in prison.
While we all love a discount or even a freebie, some people go to the extent of claiming their food hasn’t arrived or that items are missing, hoping for a cheaper takeaway. However, this not only puts customers at risk of legal consequences, but it could also get the delivery driver in trouble. Is a discounted meal really worth all that?
Russel Uchenna ‘Ochay’ Mbah, Founder of Gower Eats said:
[Pictured – Ochay with Wendy from the Crofty Inn – credit: Gower Eats]
“At Gower Eats, we do conduct robust checks whenever there’s an issue with a customer or a delayed delivery. This includes reviewing order details, estimated arrival times and the driver’s schedule to understand what happened.
“In cases where a customer’s claim is valid, we’ve either refunded the order or offered a discount on their next one.
“We understand that mistakes happen, but we also want customers to know that every false claim has a ripple effect.
“False reports can lead to lost wages for drivers, wasted food, and unnecessary pressure on local restaurants. We urge customers to be honest, it’s in everyone’s best interest. Our restaurants put care into every meal, and our drivers work hard in all conditions to deliver great food safely and quickly.”
(Lead image: Pexels)
