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Linglestown Gazette: Mix-up at Linglestown eatery explained

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Mix-up at Linglestown eatery explained

By Harrison L. Michelson
for Linglestown Gazette

Early this week a comment appeared on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com that accused a Linglestown-area restaurant of ripping off customers by double charging them by hitting their credit-card accounts at the point of sale and a second time months later. (See thread #475)

Giovanni Barone, the owner of Giotti's Family Italian Restaurant located behind Commerce Bank on Linglestown Road, said what may appear to be unauthorized transactions are valid, but a mix-up with his credit-card system caused several days' worth of transactions to be delayed, including some from as far back as last March.

When the system works correctly, credit-card sales made during a business day are batched together and sent to a credit-card processor. From there the data is sent to a bank, and finally money is deposited in Giotti's account.

But, Barone recently noticed that there were 12 to 14 days during 2008 that weren't batched at all. The outstanding credit-card sales were batched at the beginning of this year out sent out to be processed. The next day customers started calling wondering why they were being charged. Others went so far as to think they were being double charged.

Barone explained that there was no way he could give card owners advance notice of the catch-up transactions because the only information he has on file is the last four digits of credit-card account numbers.

To make amends for the confusion, Barone has been offering gift certificates to people who have been affected by the error. If you feel like you have a problem related to this situation, you can reach Barone at 717-652-5656.

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7 Comments:

At 8:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Guess what Mr. Barone, we were Double Charged!!!! We keep close track of every transaction on our credit card ever since out number was stolen two years ago. We have only been there three times and three times our credit card was charged. We now have this fourth charge. Because it was a small amount, we are not going to make a big deal about it, but I feel bad for the people who spent a significant amount.

 
At 9:00 AM, Blogger Bill Bostic said...

RE: Comments made by Anonymous

Barone is asking customers to contact him if problems crop up on credit-card accounts. See last paragraph of post for contact info.

Barone needs to hear about your situation. Please don't write it off by only posting an anonymous note on a blog.

 
At 10:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

A friend of mine did go to Mr. Barone and he gave them a hard time stating he was the one who will suffer the loss, even though my friend had the documentation to prove it. I really don't think it is worth the hassel. One thing I do want to say is that my friend and I agree that we both love the food there and the atmosphere and will probably still patronize them but we will be paying in cash. Besides this incident, it's a top-notch eatery.

 
At 4:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=137994

Check the recent restaurant inspection. I've also heard numerous complaints, and have witnessed first-hand the owner speaking very rudely to customers. I won't be back.

 
At 4:47 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Unbelievable!!!! Thanks for the website, I'm glad I checked. I guess we will not be returning to that restaraunt.

 
At 10:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I worked there for a very short time-Giovanni is a horrible businessman and that place is run terribly! He pays everyone under the table-and after my first week there when I realized that I was out of there! I have worked in restaurants for the past 12 years and have NEVER had to deal with so much incompetence from a restaurant owner! I tell everyone not to go-the owner is an indecent man.

 
At 2:13 PM, Blogger Copperlovely said...

Anyone who believes the crap written here is true...think again!!! Apparently these are people who are out to get the owner. Shame on you! Remember, just because something is in print is truth, is wrong thinking. In spite of what is written here, I will continue to frequent and recommend this establishment. I you judge the quality of the food and service as noted by the people who have posted here, you are missing out. The quality of the food and service is second to none, I take all of my out of town guests and dates to this establishment and will continue to do so. I have NEVER been double charged,,,,

 

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