Got stuck dealing with a fake friend of the boss

A customer during my night shift claimed he was tight with the owner. He demanded free merchandise, but I refused. He got loud and listed names that weren't on our staff. Other patrons stared as the scene grew awkward. I had to call my manager to step in. Now I warn my team to always verify such stories to prevent trouble.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_thea1mo ago

Ugh I was way too trusting when I was younger and fell for this twice. Once some guy said he was my manager's cousin and I just gave him half off a pizza, my boss was so mad. Totally agree with @jennifershah, they're betting on you being too scared to check. Now my rule is if you're actually that close, you won't mind waiting for a quick text to confirm.

jennifershah1mo ago

That move to verify stories is key, because people will try that scam everywhere. They bet on you being too nervous to double check a big name. I've seen it happen so many times, someone getting flustered and just giving in to avoid a scene. The best defense is having a simple rule, like "if you're really that close, let me just call the owner to say hi for you." Usually they back down fast when you ask for any real proof.

margaret_white481mo ago

My friend Carla works at a small boutique hotel in Portland. Last month a guy claimed he was the owner's nephew and demanded a free suite for the night. She just smiled and said she'd ring the owner right then to confirm, and the guy suddenly remembered he had somewhere else to be.