When Dealing With Scammers: Call Their Bluff!

A customer approaches me as I am working at the movie theater.

Customer: “I had to leave my movie early last time because of a family emergency. I was wondering if you could do anything. I wasn’t able to get a refund or anything at the time.”

I am willing to give him a pass. He sees the film with who I assume to be his family and that is it.

A few days later, I get a call, but I don’t recognize the voice.

Caller: “Someone threw up on me, and a manager said they’d get call me back and get me passes.”

I can’t confirm which manager told him this, but my general manager says I can give him a free pass. We’ll do it as a benefit-of-the-doubt thing and to avoid causing any issues.

Caller: “I have photo evidence if you want to see it!”

I do not. I become more wary when he says the manager that he talked to would give him a gift card. I know that this is a lie, but I have already told him he can come to see the movie. It is only when he comes in that I notice it is the same guy from before.

I know it’s a scam when he wants to sit next to his friends who are buying tickets

Later, he comes up to me again.

Customer: “I dropped my popcorn. Can I get a new bucket? I don’t want the popcorn from the floor.”

There is no spill to be found. I tell myself I’ll deny this guy if he tries again.

The third time, I know who he is.

Customer: “Can I speak to a manager?”

When I come over, he doesn’t recognize me.

Customer: “I missed my movie yesterday, but a manager said I could get free tickets. I have proof of my old tickets; I could go get them from his car.”

If he has them, he should’ve just brought them in.

Me: “Who was the manager you spoke to?”

Customer: “I can’t remember.”

Me: “Not even a description?”

Customer: “I can’t remember. Who were the managers from that day?”

Me: “That’s not happening.”

Customer: “I’ll go get my tickets to show you.”

He never came back. I do hope he does come back one day so I can call him out on this scam of his.