Family horrified after being charged £618 for two hot dogs at popular Christmas markets

A family has been charged more than £600 at a Christmas market, and they are yet to be refunded.

Laura Brumpton, 34, and husband Alan, 37, were visiting a Christmas market in Lincolnshire when they bought their kids two hotdogs. But they got the shock of their lives when Alan, without checking the amount, tapped his phone on the card reader and paid a whopping £618 instead of the expected £18.

The Christmas market stall, in Scunthorpe, apologised instantly for the error and promised a £600 refund. But Laura reveals that they're still awaiting the reversal of the accidental charge.

Laura took her dismay to TikTok, sharing a video of the hotdog vendor processing the refund which has since racked up more than four million views.

In the video, you can hear the apologetic vendor announcing the £600 refund, with Laura displaying the eye-watering receipt. TikTok users chimed in on the incident, with some arguing for a complete reimbursement due to the hassle caused, while another humorously remarked it was still a 'bargain' for Christmas market fare.

Other members on TikTok took the opportunity to remind others to check the amount before tapping to pay.

Reflecting on the pricing shock, the North Lincolnshire local commented: "They were the most expensive hotdogs ever. I was very shocked. I just couldn't believe it. £18 just for two hotdogs is a lot of money as well.", reported by Wales Online.

Laura, who runs cleaning business Isle Clean, said: "The vendor was very apologetic. It was an honest mistake. She said 'I can give you a refund. It should take about an hour'. But it's still not there now. It's a lot of money to be missing just before Christmas as well.

"It's just typical of our family. We have a lot of bad luck. And around this time of year. It's a bit of a thing - don't go out the house because anything could happen around Christmas."

"We were still charged for the sausages. I thought, especially because it was for the kids, I thought they'd at least get a free sausage. It was just a very expensive family day out. The kids actually said they tasted good."

Social media users swiftly highlighted the 'inconvenience' caused to the impacted parents. One concerned user commented: "I can't believe she didn't refund the full amount for the inconvenience and error."

Another chimed in with a touch of sarcasm: "£600 is a bargain for two hot dogs at a Christmas market." A different individual expressed shock at the price tag, saying: "£18 for two hotdogs is crazy."

Meanwhile, other commentators suggested vigilance, advising people to 'always check' totals before making payment. One such user advised: "This is why you should always check what they've typed in before you put your card on the reader."

Someone else remarked: "Imagine not looking at the machine first to check." Echoing the sentiment of caution, a separate user questioned: "What about the people that don't notice if that happens."