Answers / Loyalty programs

    How do I prevent fraud in my restaurant loyalty program?

    Written by PEKO Team.Last updated: 2026. 05. 21..

    Cap daily points per phone number, require staff approval for redemptions over a set threshold, alert on unusual velocity (10+ visits/day from one customer), and audit the top 1% of redeemers monthly. Modern platforms automate all four.

    Published: 2026. 05. 09.

    Loyalty fraud in F&B almost always comes from inside — staff redeeming points to a personal phone number for orders that didn't happen, or self-issuing points on staff-meal transactions. External fraud (customers gaming the system) is rare and small-dollar.

    Four controls catch 95% of internal fraud: (1) cap daily points per phone (e.g. 200 pts/day max), (2) require manager PIN for redemptions over a set threshold (e.g. >$15), (3) automated velocity alerts on >10 visits/day from one phone, (4) monthly audit of the top 1% of redeemers.

    FAQ

    How much loyalty fraud is normal?

    Under 1% of program value is healthy. Above 3% suggests systematic abuse and warrants immediate audit + control tightening.

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