A couple from Oklahoma experienced quite a shock when they found out they were charged $4,500 by Starbucks for just two cups of coffee.
Jesse O’Dell and his wife Deedee have been loyal patrons of Starbucks for 16 years, consistently spending around $10 on their morning coffee runs. However, what began as a routine day took a surprising and distressing turn.
While speaking with Fox 23, Jesse shared their typical order, “I like an Iced Americano and my wife enjoys a Venti Caramel frappuccino with an extra shot. Our usual tab sits around nine to ten dollars; sometimes it goes up to $10.75 with the extra shot.”
Unexpectedly, the simple purchase resulted in a massive charge of $4,456.27, thanks to an error where Starbucks added a mistaken gratuity amount of $4,444.
The couple discovered the issue when Deedee was out shopping with their four children and her card was unexpectedly declined.
Concerned, they reached out to the coffee shop’s district manager, who informed them that the issue arose due to a network error.
Initially, the couple felt a sense of relief when they received two checks that covered the erroneous charge. Sadly, that relief was short-lived as both checks bounced when they attempted to deposit them.
“We must have contacted their customer service helpline 30 to 40 times that day, filing every case we could, just hoping to get a resolution,” Jesse explained. “Eventually, we received a call from a representative in Seattle assuring us that new checks were on the way, yet we still haven’t received them.”
Feeling increasingly frustrated by the handling of the situation, they contacted the Tulsa Police Department to file a report.
Sadly, the couple had to cancel their much-anticipated trip to Thailand, where Deedee is originally from, due to the costly mistake.
Meanwhile, a representative from Starbucks reportedly confirmed that new checks had indeed been dispatched and received by the couple.
Jesse now urges others to stay cautious, checking their receipts diligently to prevent similar incidents.
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