Ok guys, from a former retail Loss Prevention Investigator, here is the deal for cc use.
First rule: DON'T.
Second rule: If for whatever reason you have to or want to, make sure it is a CREDIT card and NOT a DEBIT card. The rules are different for transaction disputes.
Third rule: Watch your statements like a hawk forever after.
Fourth rule: ALWAYS get a receipt for yourself and verify the dollar amount on it BEFORE you sign it. Do NOT leave any line blank, always write out ZERO if here is a tip line and you are tipping cash.
But if this kind of thing happens to you, immediately dispute the fake charge with your bank, and cancel and replace the card. Don't challenge the legit charge, like the HF, if it was the one you expected, or you will look like a scammer yourself trying to rip off the merchant. It becomes the banks and merchants responsibility to prove the false charge is legit, and if they can't via a SIGNED slip or pin entry, then they have to eat the charge.
Rule 4 is especially important, because if they tap extra zeros, or you don't write out the tip line as the WORD ZERO they can alter it or add to it and they have your signature on it.
Lastly, do NOT report it to MMS until AFTER you have done the above. MMS may be in on it and letting them know first just gives them more time to collude and cover story it or just bail. But if you think it is only one of the girls, then by all means report it to MMS or the owner.
In NJ, any theft or fraud over $200 is a FELONY. Obviously we have to be extra cautious reporting this to LE, but if you do please let the board know so the place can be avoided.....................this kind of shit would def bring down the sting and sweep bust on the place, and anyone else caught up with it would get slammed with secondary charges.