A routine visit to a pharmacy in Bengaluru turned into a cautionary tale for online shoppers after a customer discovered he was charged more than double the actual price for his medicines. The incident, shared by a vigilant Redditor, has sparked a crucial debate on the necessity of checking bills after every purchase, no matter how small the transaction seems.
The Shocking Discovery at a Chain Pharmacy
The user visited a well-known chain medicine store to buy a simple tube of antiseptic cream and a strip of headache tablets. After providing his registered mobile number, the shopkeeper suggested a UPI payment, citing a lack of change. The total amount quoted was ₹223.
Immediately, the customer felt something was amiss. His mental calculation suggested the total should be under ₹100. Acting on his suspicion, he personally checked the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on both items. He was right. The actual combined price was approximately ₹94, including decimals.
A Swift "Correction" and Lingering Doubts
Upon asking for a printed bill, the shopkeeper's demeanor changed. Sensing he had been caught, the staff member proactively apologized, took the medicines back, and corrected the bill to the proper amount. This swift reversal led the Redditor to question the intent behind the initial overcharge.
He wondered aloud on the forum if this was a deliberate scam, exploiting customers who are in a hurry, do not check MRPs, or avoid waiting for bills during crowded times. "Now all that cashier has to do is cancel the bill and make a new one to pocket some good money at the end of the day," he noted, outlining a potential method for such fraud.
Netizens Debate: Common Mistake or Deliberate Fraud?
The viral post drew mixed reactions from social media users. Some defended the cashier, suggesting it was an honest error. One user explained the digital safeguards in chain stores, where billing an item automatically updates stock records and invoices are linked to dynamic QR codes for payment, limiting easy manipulation.
However, others corroborated the Redditor's fears, sharing similar personal experiences. "It's deliberate one. Nowadays some people don't care to calculate the total amount on their own in hurry," commented one user. Another netizen pointed out a common behavioral flaw: shoppers typically only scrutinize a bill when the final amount exceeds their mental estimate. If the charged sum is close to their expectation, many forgo checking the details entirely.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for all consumers. Whether shopping at a large chain or a local store, taking a moment to verify the MRP on items and cross-check the final bill can prevent financial loss. In an era of digital payments, vigilance remains the most effective tool against overcharging, intentional or otherwise.
