“You’re One in a Million”: Woman Returns to the Filling Station After Underpaying, SA Impressed

• A woman's honest act at a petrol station left many people praising her kindness and sense of integrity
• She shared her experience in a TikTok video, explaining how she was mistakenly undercharged and how he went back to fix the error after realising how much it was
• Social media users were touched by her honesty, with many saying her good deed would bring her even more blessings
• Briefly News spoke with Siphosethu Daphula, a petrol attendant, with over 10 years of experience in the industry

Life sometimes puts us in situations where we must choose between doing what's right and taking an easy way out. One woman found herself in that position when she realised she had been undercharged at a filling station.

The lady, TikTok user @tshiamo6102, took to the video streaming app to share the unexpected mix-up, gaining massive views and comments from social media users who commended her for her honesty.

Honest woman corrects petrol station mistake

While sitting in her car, @tshiamo6102 explained how she had gone to fill up her car and tapped to pay as usual. What shocked her was that the card machine didn't request her PIN as it does with certain amounts, but she brushed it off. Later as she was driving, her Apple Watch notified her of an R179 deduction, which confused her because she had just spent much more on fuel.

That's when it hit her, she was supposed to pay R1,786, but the petrol attendant had mistakenly entered a smaller amount. Instead of ignoring the error, she turned the car around and went back. Upon arrival, the petrol attendant was called, and he expressed relief, telling her that he was at the manager's office to report himself and would have had to pay for it.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Petrol attendant speaks on payment errors

The Briefly News team spoke with Siphosethu Daphula, a petrol attendant working for Engene Petroleum, about how customers handle errors they make in their field. We asked the man if he had ever experienced a situation where a customer was overpaid or underpaid. He responded:

"Yoh, yes, I've been in those situations before. This one time I mistakenly undercharged a customer while processing his payment on a speed point machine. I only realised it after they left. I was hoping they'd come back, but shame, they didn't. In the end, I had to cover the difference from my pocket.

It was a tough one, but hey, it taught me to always double-check when processing a payment. Mistakes happen, but eish, it hurts when you're the one who must pay for it."

We asked the man how he handles payment errors at the pump. The petrol attendant said:

"I have since learned to always double-check the amount before pressing enter, but sometimes mistakes still happen, we're human after all. If I see there's an error, I tell the customer immediately if they're still around. If they've left then I go straight to my manager and report it.

It's always good to play open cards with the manager since you never know how the customer will be when they return to the station after noticing an error, especially if it's an overcharge."

The team asked the man if he thinks honesty is important when working with customers in situations like these. He shared:

"Absolutely! Honesty is very important when dealing with customers in situations like this. If you make a mistake, it's better to own up and fix it right away. People respect that, and it also builds trust.

In our line of work, especially as petrol attendants, honesty goes a long way. It shows you're reliable, and at the end of the day, it's the right thing to do."

SA appreciates the woman for going back

Social media users could not stop applauding the lady's honesty. Many said it was a test of character, and that she passed with flying colours. Others said it reflected her upbringing and the good values instilled in her. Petrol attendants also shared their appreciation, saying that mistakes like these often cost them money from their own pockets.

User @Joy said:

"Someone said you just passed the test indeed my sister something big is coming congratulations in advance."

User @jeepgp commented:

"Some guy poured R200 petrol and drove off without paying, and I decided to save the old men's job and paid for it."

User @user5030417609042 shared:

"As a petrol attendant, we appreciate customers like you sister. May the good Lord bless you with another car🥰."

User @brigado said:

"🙏 Thanks my sister. Those guys from the filing station ⛽ are struggling. Some of them are being robbed by motorists."

User @Caroline_S added:

"You passed the test..and he even got the wrong no plate with camera footage

User @Modiakamunchiendpitro commented:

"You're one in a million. May God bless you."

3 Briefly News articles about petrol attendants

• A local doctor inspired many South Africans after sharing his journey from working as a petrol attendant to practising medicine.
• A petrol attendant advised a motorist not to date women with cars, claiming they were always broke and filled cars with small amounts of petrol.
• A man balancing work as a petrol attendant and his studies shared a vlog about his day, and social media users loved his content.

Source: Briefly News