McDonald’s Addresses Alleged Double-Charging by Employee
A McDonald’s restaurant in Springtown, Texas, faced a serious incident involving an employee accused of double-charging customers. Local police apprehended 19-year-old Giovanni Primo Blount for allegedly manipulating transactions at the fast-food establishment.
Details of the Allegations
The Springtown Police Department reported that Blount was charged with fraudulent use and possession of identifying information regarding over 50 items, a first-degree felony. The situation came to light when a customer noticed an unauthorized charge on their debit card following a visit to the Springtown location.
Modus Operandi
- Processed legitimate transactions for customers.
- Used a personal device to tap customer cards again, taking an additional $10 to $20.
- Routed the funds to his own accounts.
Blount’s actions were captured on McDonald’s surveillance cameras. According to Assistant City Administrator Christina Derr, he used a mobile application set up for processing these fraudulent transactions. During interviews, Blount reportedly admitted to his actions and refunded some of the charges while authorities were present.
Timeline and Impact
The fraudulent activities are believed to have occurred on Sunday, January 18, resulting in an estimated theft of around $700. The restaurant’s management has encouraged patrons to diligently check their bank statements for any suspicious activity.
Response from McDonald’s Management
Veronica Ruano, the owner of the Springtown McDonald’s, issued a statement emphasizing the company’s commitment to customer integrity. She noted that:
- This incident does not reflect McDonald’s standards.
- All affected customers have received refunds.
- The involved employee is no longer part of the team.
Ruano assured the public that maintaining trust and integrity remains a top priority for the restaurant and its operations.
