A Flat Bush (Auckland) restaurant owner is urging fellow hospitality businesses to stay vigilant after a takeaway order worth $364 was allegedly not paid for, despite a photo of a bank transfer being shown as proof of payment.
Mandeep Singh, owner of Indian Accent, told The Indian Weekender that on 18 May, a man claimed his card was not working and presented what appeared to be a screenshot of a completed bank transfer.
“The photo of the bank statement looked authentic, but we never received the money,” Singh said.
Singh had taken a copy of the couple’s driver’s licence and contact details at the time. Initially, considering it an isolated incident, he later came across a Facebook post from another restaurant, Rak Khun – Thai Eatery & Bar in Takanini, reporting a similar experience.
That post, dated 21 May, described how a customer’s card had been declined, followed by a photo of a supposed bank transfer. According to the post, the payment never arrived.
Singh has since reported the matter to the police.
In a statement to The Indian Weekender, police confirmed they had received a report about a suspected fraud involving a Flat Bush restaurant and were assessing the matter.
Following his social media warning to other restaurant owners, Singh reported receiving anonymous, abusive phone calls. He has provided recordings of the calls to police.
Authorities have not confirmed any charges, and investigations are ongoing.
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