Diva Indian Bistro credit card tip fraud - beware

[wardv.livejournal.com]

On September 22nd I walked into Diva around noon with 2 colleagues and got takeout lunch buffet. My total came to $10.65, which I paid with credit card. The waiter was rude, and I didn't feel obliged to tip since I was just getting takeout. Walking back to the office, one of my colleagues said he saw the waiter add $2 to my credit card receipt.

The food was okay.

I waited until the charge cleared, and sure enough, it was for $12.65. I disputed the $2 with the credit card company, which gave it back to me immediately. I'll be eating elsewhere in the future.

Be careful using credit cards at Diva Indian Bistro.

Comments

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Once I tried them a few times, Diva's food was enough to keep me away.

[sairaali.livejournal.com]

Wasn't Diva also the place that was really racist and discouraged actual Indian people from eating there? This was a couple years ago, but I've never forgotten it.

[mcjazzie.livejournal.com]

I gave up on Diva years ago. Once they'd dropped drinks near my friend while the waiter was carrying it on a tray and didn't apologize, didn't compensate for anything since my friend's shirt had actually gotten wet. Their food was mediocre and their service is horrible. The tip thing doesn't surprise me, I've heard it happen to other people.

I don't know anyone of Indian descent who eats there.

[ron_newman]

Diva is one of a small chain of Indian restaurants (and one grocery store), all with different names and menus. They had a long-standing labor dispute over unpaid wages, which was (according to Courtney O'Keefe) eventually settled.

[sairaali.livejournal.com]

Horrid. I didn't know they also own Shalimar and Dosa Factory. I'd say I'll stop shopping there, but I already quit patronizing Shalimar because of crap quality.

[smammy]

Totally shady behavior on the part of the waiter, but ffs tip people! It's literally the least you can do to fight unfair US labor laws.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

maybe this makes me an a**hole, but i don't generally tip when i get take out (that i have picked up myself). I might round up to a whole dollar amount, but I don't typically tip.

[smammy]

I've gone back and forth on this, but lately I've been tipping 10% on takeout in dollar increments, instead of my usual 20% for sit-down meals. That's $1 if bill is $10 or less, $2 if bill is $20 or less, etc.

I don't think not tipping for takeout is a moral issue, but I bet it makes a difference when your boss is paying you $3/hr and you have to hustle $6/hr just to make minimum wage.

[somerfriend.livejournal.com]

I recommend Dosa N Curry on Somerville Ave, amazing buffet, great chance to take a break from "Indian food's greatest American hits". I mean I chicken tikka masala, but this place gives you some additional variety.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_meej_/]

Have they reopened yet? They were (maybe are) closed for a while; the note on the window said something about a utility issue (I think electrical, but I'm not sure) elsewhere in the building that the landlord had essentially evacuated tenants from the building. Last we went by, they were still shuttered.

[ron_newman]

They and neighboring A4 Pizza were still closed last time I went by there. I don't understand why Eversource is so incompetent about restoring their electric service so they can reopen.

[teko.livejournal.com]

After many incidents of terrible service and mediocre food, I haven't been to Diva in years; dabbling in credit card fraud doesn't surprise me one bit. I'm honestly amazed they're still open these days.

[pearlythebunny.livejournal.com]

Have you tried the Nepali/Indian place in Teele Square? (Masala, I believe.) It's REALLY good.

[cauliflower346.livejournal.com]

I've found it's a safe idea to write the total down even if you don't tip (I'm with you, I don't see any reason to when you're taking out), or at the least draw a line through the blanks so it can't be added in later.

Question...

[courtney (from livejournal.com)]

Was the $2 added because it was takeout? I know some restaurants add a small amount due to the cost of packaging. I'm not condoning this practice, but wanted to ask.

RE: Question...

[xuth.livejournal.com]

They don't get to add _anything_ after you've signed the credit card receipt. Doing so is fraud. Nothing less.

RE: Question...

[courtney (from livejournal.com)]

Ah, I did not see that the tab was already signed for. Apologies.

wardv, Do you plan on contacting Diva about the charge? Love your handle name, btw.

[keithn.livejournal.com]

Just another data point - I have been eating at and ordering delivery from Diva for years and have never had any of the problems other people here are complaining about. I feel bad that people can't enjoy this establishment in their community for one reason or another. I think it's nice.

I have been ordering more and more from Harvest of India, though, since they have a dish I really like that Diva doesn't.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

I have also had fine experiences at Diva for years, which doesn't discount the fact that what the waiter did to you was wrong.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

Have you considered reporting this to the attorney general or police?

[obie119.livejournal.com]

I agree with pearlythebunny that Masala in Teele Square is the best Indian in the area, with delicious Nepali offerings to boot. They are also EXTREMELY kid-friendly and very welcoming in general. Also, if you are under five, the presence of a fire station within viewing distance is an added perk. We really love their food!

(our all-time favorite is India Palace in Union Square, but we're not in Union as often).