Can I sue someone for writing in their own tip on my bill when I have already paid?
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Can I sue someone for writing in their own tip on my bill when I have already paid?
I ordered pizza the other night and didn’t tip because there was already a delivery charge with the order. My total, with delivery fee, was $24.55 but when i checked my account i had been charged $28.55. I called the store to see why i was charged an additional $4 and they said that a four dollar tip had been written in. I told them I didn’t authorize that and they said they’ll re-credit me but can I sue.
Asked on May 21, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Somethings are illegal but there is no effective way to sue over them. It is illegal to charge any amounts not agreed to or authorized by the card holder. However, U.S. law does NOT provide compensation "merely" for having your rights violated; it provides compensation for actual losses, injuries, or costs you suffered. If you get the money back, you suffered no loss and could recover no money; if you don't get it back, you could sue for $4, which is substantially less than the cost of filing a lawsuit.
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