Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 31, 2025
Mandeep Singh, Director of Indian Accent in the East Auckland suburb of Flat Bush, is sounding the alarm after his restaurant was allegedly defrauded in a fraudulent payment scam.
On 18 May 2025, a generous takeaway order of lamb biryani, chicken lollipops, and a premium platter totalling $364 was placed. But despite the food leaving the kitchen, the payment never arrived.
Mr Singh was approached by a male customer whose card was declined. He then presented an image of a bank transfer, claiming the transaction had gone through. Trusting the authenticity of the photo, Mr Singh processed the order. However, as time passed, it became evident that the money had never entered his account.
Restaurant workers deal with enough daily challenges: preparing meals, managing reservations, and ensuring seamless service. Fraudulent actions only add further strain, forcing owners and employees to work harder while bearing undue losses. Fortunately, Mr Singh was cautious and took the customer’s driver’s license and phone number, a decision that later proved valuable.
Another incident in Takanini
Initially, Mr Singh assumed that it was an isolated incident. However, his concerns grew upon seeing a Facebook post by Rak Khun of Thai Eatery & Bar in Takanini on 21 May. Their restaurant suffered a similar scam, resulting in a loss of $468. The post urged business owners to exercise caution and included images of the same suspects, alerting the community.
Mr Singh attempted to contact the alleged fraudster via WhatsApp, requesting payment but was met with excuses. When no payment materialised, he filed a police complaint.
The Police confirmed having received a fraud report related to the Flat Bush Restaurant and stated that an investigation was underway.
While Mr Singh took steps to warn others by sharing his experience online, it led to unexpected repercussions. He began receiving anonymous abusive phone calls at his restaurant, demanding that he take down his post containing vehicle details. Faced with intimidation, Mr Singh escalated the matter to the Police, providing recordings of the threatening calls.
His story, unfortunately, is not unique. Several restaurant owners have reported similar incidents, further underscoring the need for vigilance in the industry.
The plight of hospitality workers
Hospitality workers pour their heart and soul into their jobs, creating welcoming spaces for diners and ensuring memorable meals. Yet, dishonest actions like this threaten the trust between businesses and customers. When fraud occurs, it does not just impact an establishment’s bottom line; it affects the workers behind the scenes, who rely on honest transactions to support themselves and their families.
As a community, it is crucial to rally around local businesses.
Restaurant owners should remain vigilant when handling payments, but they should not have to carry this burden alone. Diners can support their favourite eateries by spreading awareness, choosing ethical practices, and reporting suspicious behaviour when they see it.
Police have received additional information from complainants in recent days and continue to assess the case. But in the meantime, Mr Singh hopes this would serve as a reminder: restaurant workers work tirelessly to serve us; let us ensure that they are protected and supported in return.
The restaurant industry is built on long hours, dedication, and unwavering passion. Those who work in hospitality put in immense effort, juggling multiple tasks, preparing meals to perfection, and ensuring customers receive an excellent experience.
But when fraudsters take advantage of small businesses, it is not just about financial loss; it is about the livelihoods and morale of hardworking individuals being impacted.
