A TikToker who was accidentally charged $4,801.50 for a $1.50 hot dog bun has since received a full refund — and is now using the attention to push for something more meaningful.
In an update, she confirmed the bakery returned the entire amount, joking that it meant she “got the $1.50 hot dog bun for free.”
To celebrate, she bought more buns — even noting how many variations there are. But beyond the humour, she turned the viral moment into a wider call:
“Let this be a reminder for you to stop, check before you tap.”
The day before, she had run an experiment to gauge which stores turn the payment terminal towards the customer before payment, and only two out of many had done so.
From Viral Mishap to Public Appeal
With media outlets reaching out, the TikToker issued a direct PSA — not about her refund, but about redirecting attention. She asked for help connecting with a woman running a breakfast programme for children in Ang Mo Kio, and invited bakeries to collaborate by sponsoring food.
“Since you guys are already all here over a hot dog bun, let’s redirect this… into something helpful,” she said. She also encouraged viewers to share her video and tag potential partners to “make something positive happen.”
The Breakfast Club She Wants to Support
Her appeal references a ground-up initiative led by Lydia Susiyanti Sukarbi, a mother of six who runs a modest breakfast programme for children in Ang Mo Kio.
Operating under the name “Breakfast Buddy” (Instagram: @breakfastbuddysg), the initiative feeds about 20 to 25 children several mornings a week at a void deck.
Despite living “paycheck to paycheck” at one point, Lydia set aside hundreds of dollars monthly to provide simple meals like cereal, biscuits and hot dog buns — driven by her belief that no child should go hungry.
“What If I Had to Eat Buns Forever?”
Before the resolution, the TikToker had shared updates while waiting for the transaction to reflect in the system.
Describing herself as an “overthinker”, she joked:
“What if they can only refund me in credits? Then is it I have to eat hot dog bun for the rest of my life?”
She even floated the idea of a “hot dog bun giveaway” if things went wrong.
Responding to viewers who questioned her composure, she said there was no point escalating the situation.
“Aunty was already having a crash out. If I join her, it will be a whole team bonding experience.”
She added that her job as an early childhood educator helped her stay calm under pressure.
How It All Started
The saga began with what she described as a simple morning craving. She had picked up a hot dog bun priced at $1.50 from a neighbourhood bakery and tapped her phone to pay via PayWave.
But moments later, the stall owner realised an error.
“The aunty keyed in on the machine… then she suddenly screamed, ‘Wrong amount!’”
What she initially thought was a minor mistake turned out to be a massive one — $4,801.50 charged instead. The stall owner reportedly panicked, while also blaming her for tapping too quickly and not checking the amount.
Attempts to reverse the charge immediately were unsuccessful, as such refunds must be processed by the merchant rather than the bank.
A Simple Lesson, A Bigger Outcome
What started as a payment mistake has now evolved into a broader message — both practical and social.
Check before tapping. And when attention comes your way, use it to do some good.
Watch her videos here:
@heyyymsmelissa
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