Hope You Have Not Fallen Prey To The Rs.50 delivery scam with Zomato!

In many Indian homes, ordering takeout or food delivery has become a daily ritual, whether for a hectic workday, an informal get-together with friends, or just because you're too exhausted to prepare! 

Because life's busyness is increasing rapidly, online meal ordering has become the preferred option for people to save time without compromising flavor or quality. With ease at the touch of a button, the emergence of meal delivery services completely changed how we eat.

In India, meal delivery firms have shown extraordinary development in recent times. For a good reason, websites like Zomato and Swiggy are now well-known. They are available in most urban locations, provide various restaurant alternatives, and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These platforms guarantee you can get anything you want delivered right to your door, including gourmet dining, healthy meals, and street cuisine.

With the help of these applications, millions of orders are placed daily, and many people now include food delivery in their regular routines. Convenience is a primary factor in the rapidly increasing popularity of meal delivery applications. Families, students, and working professionals no longer have to waste time preparing meals or going out to eat. Also, customers order online from their preferred food spots and eat conveniently in their homes. Additionally, these platforms ensure prompt delivery and a positive customer experience, even though restaurants are responsible for food preparation.

Like any service, though, this convenience has its share of drawbacks. There have been instances where things didn't go according to plan, even if the majority of meal deliveries were easy and unproblematic. In addition to problems like misplaced orders and delayed deliveries, fresh reports have surfaced about unethical behavior on the part of some delivery workers, especially with Zomato in some locations like Delhi and Pune.

The Rs.50 Scam Reported Recently
 

A consumer from Delhi reported a recent occurrence whereby they were requested to pay an additional Rs.50 directly to the delivery guy. He says-

“So I ordered something off Zomato and they guy started asking for 50 rupees on his phone number as his bike has brokedown. I said no, the max I can do is tip him. He said tip goes directly to the company not to him. And the company lies about it. I said the max I can do is tip him. He said fine but do not complain about it. What should be the ideal approach to deal this”

Another such case was reported in Pune where a consumer says-
“Yesterday I ordered roll. After he delivered the food, asked for Rs.50. Reason- He said he wants to sent his wife for baby feeding milk.”

The customers felt pressed and perplexed. In response, she stated that she would not be sending any more money directly but that she could tip via the app. According to reports, the delivery boy advised her not to complain about tipping through the app, claiming it doesn't help him.

This kind of contact between the delivery platforms and the customers raises serious questions concerning trust. It also tends to draw attention to how important it is for people to follow the establishment's tipping policies and to use caution while making such requests.

How to Handle Such Situations

If you ever find yourself in a situation like the one described above, staying calm and following the proper channels is essential. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Stick to the App: If the delivery person requests money outside of what is reflected on the app, decline the request. Always use the in-app tipping feature, as this is a verified way to ensure your delivery person is compensated fairly.

• Report the Incident: If you suspect unethical behavior, report it directly to the food delivery platform. Apps like Zomato and Swiggy have robust customer support systems that handle complaints about delivery personnel.

• Be Polite but Firm: It's important to remain respectful in your dealings with the delivery person. Most delivery workers are hardworking individuals doing their job, but if you sense something is off, stand your ground and do not comply with requests that seem inappropriate.

• Check for Patterns: Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated case. Earlier, many customers which makes it essential to stay informed and alert. While these incidents don't reflect the behavior of most delivery personnel, it is necessary to be aware of these tactics.

Which brings all of us customers to an alarming question- Is Zomato unable to pay their delivery persons well enough that they have to go by these foul means of extracting money!!!

Even while we still love having meals delivered right to our door, it's important to be on the lookout for fraud and to abide by the platform's rules. These platforms are there to make our lives simpler, not harder, after all. Always remember to report any suspicious activity and enjoy a safe and secure meal delivery experience.