Two Arrested for Hot Chocolate Fraud Scheme

Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with a fraud scheme that targeted a cafe in Lockerbie, Scotland, resulting in a loss of £425. The suspects allegedly used a stolen credit card and manipulated a point-of-sale terminal to overcharge for a hot chocolate.

The incident occurred on September 15 at Just Be Bistro. According to the cafe's owner, Ryan Johnstone, the fraudsters ordered a £4.25 hot chocolate and then used the card machine to alter the transaction amount to £425. They initially paid with a stolen card.

When the cafe staff became aware of the incorrect charge, the fraudsters reportedly used a different card to process a refund, thereby absconding with the larger sum. Johnstone stated he was unaware of the fraud until October 3, when his card machine provider informed him of a chargeback initiated by the owner of the stolen credit card used in the initial transaction.

CCTV footage shows two men entering the cafe and ordering the hot chocolate. While one man distracted staff with questions about the menu and cafe offerings, the other allegedly altered the transaction on the card machine. The footage captured one of the men asking, "Is there gold flakes in that hot chocolate?" while the barista prepared the drink.

His accomplice reportedly feigned disinterest in dining due to dietary restrictions. The men lingered at the cafe after receiving the hot chocolate, asking for extra sugar before departing. The cafe's manager, Tracey Sanger, described the incident as a violation of trust for her staff, who were unaware of the fraud at the time of the transaction.

Johnstone noted that the incident took place on the cafe's one-year anniversary and suggested the perpetrators appeared practiced. Police Scotland confirmed they received a report of fraud on October 3 concerning an incident on September 15 and stated that inquiries are in their early stages. Hampshire Police have been contacted for comment.