CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A local customer is warning members of the community to closely monitor their bank and credit-card statements after alleging that a $10 tip was added to a restaurant bill without authorization.
According to a social media post shared by the customer, she and her husband recently visited Los Mariachis at Central Center in Chillicothe for dinner. The couple also ordered two meals to take home for their children.
The customer said she was dissatisfied with the service, citing missed refills, incorrect items and a delay in receiving one of the takeout meals. According to her account, one of the two takeout meals was not initially entered with the order, resulting in an additional wait of approximately 30 minutes.
The couple’s bill reportedly totaled about $83. The customer said she chose not to leave a tip because of the service.
The following day, however, the couple allegedly received notification that an additional $10 tip had been charged to their card.
The customer said they contacted the restaurant and attempted to speak with a manager but were unable to resolve the issue over the phone. She alleged that the employee who answered the calls repeatedly ended the conversations.
The customer said they subsequently contacted the business’s Bridge Street location, which reportedly told them the matter would be investigated. After several hours without receiving an update, the couple contacted Chillicothe Police Department.
According to the customer’s account, an officer met them at the restaurant and reviewed their bank statement and notification showing the additional $10 charge. The officer then reportedly attempted to locate the receipt and speak with restaurant management.
The customer said a manager ultimately provided the couple with $10 in cash after the incident was discussed.
The customer emphasized that the amount of money was not the primary concern.
“Now it’s only $10 dollars but right is right and wrong is wrong,” the customer wrote in her post, urging community members—particularly older residents—to regularly review their financial statements for unexpected charges.
The customer also praised the responding police officer, describing him as “amazing” and saying he handled the situation professionally.
The allegations described above are based on the customer’s account of the incident. A charge appearing on a customer’s statement does not, by itself, establish how or why the charge was entered, and the circumstances surrounding the disputed tip have not been independently verified.
Customers who believe an unauthorized charge has been made to their card are generally encouraged to promptly contact their card issuer and preserve receipts, transaction notifications and other documentation related to the disputed transaction.
