Delivery Driver Got 'Hopes Up' He'd Got $100 Tip, Then He Looked Closer

Newsweek - Mar 23rd, 2025
Open on Newsweek

Julio, a DoorDash delivery driver in Texas, was pranked with a fake $100 bill bearing 'Trump won 2024' during a delivery. Expecting a cash tip, he was left disappointed upon realizing the deception. The incident highlights the challenges faced by delivery drivers, who often rely on tips for a significant part of their income. Julio shared his experience on Reddit, where it quickly went viral, sparking sympathy and varied reactions from the online community.

This incident underscores the broader issue of tipping practices in America, particularly for delivery drivers who receive less consistent gratuity compared to restaurant staff. While many Reddit users expressed outrage and suggested retaliatory actions, Julio was taken aback by the calls for revenge, emphasizing that such responses are not conducive to a healthy society. Despite the setback, Julio remains focused on future deliveries and hopes for better tips moving forward.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a compelling and timely narrative about a food delivery driver's experience with a prank, highlighting the challenges faced by gig economy workers. Its strengths lie in clarity, engagement, and public interest, as it draws attention to a relevant issue and encourages readers to reflect on their own behaviors. However, the story's accuracy and balance could be improved with more detailed sourcing and exploration of multiple perspectives. While the article effectively captures attention and provokes discussion, its potential for broader impact is limited by its focus on a single incident rather than systemic issues. Overall, the story is well-written and accessible, but it would benefit from greater transparency and source quality to enhance its credibility and depth.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of an incident involving a food delivery driver named Julio, who was pranked with a fake $100 bill. The main factual claims are consistent with the narrative presented. However, there are areas needing verification, such as Julio's identity and the specifics of the Reddit post, including the number of upvotes and comments. The story mentions a 2019 YouGov poll, which should be verified for accuracy in its representation of tipping habits. Overall, while the story seems truthful, some details lack precision and source support, particularly regarding the motivations behind the prank and the nature of the public's reaction.

6
Balance

The story focuses primarily on Julio's perspective and his experience, providing a sympathetic view of his situation. While it includes reactions from Reddit users, these are mostly negative or extreme, possibly skewing the narrative towards a more sensationalist angle. The article does not explore the prankster's perspective or potential reasons behind their actions, which could have provided a more balanced view. Additionally, the story briefly touches on general tipping habits but does not delve into contrasting opinions or cultural norms that might influence tipping behavior.

8
Clarity

The language and structure of the article are clear and straightforward, making the story easy to follow. The narrative is logically sequenced, starting with the incident, followed by the public's reaction and Julio's response. The tone is neutral, focusing on factual reporting rather than emotional appeal. However, some sections, such as the reference to the YouGov poll, could benefit from additional context to enhance understanding. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible to a general audience.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on Julio's account and a Reddit post for its content, which limits the variety and authority of its sources. Julio's decision not to disclose his last name affects the credibility and verifiability of his account. The story does not cite any direct sources or statements from DoorDash or the prankster, which would have strengthened the report's reliability. The inclusion of a YouGov poll adds some depth, but without direct citation or context, its impact is limited.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of events but lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not explain how Julio's story was verified or how the Reddit post's details were confirmed. The absence of Julio's last name and the lack of direct quotes from other involved parties reduce the transparency of the report. While the story outlines the incident and public reaction, it does not disclose potential biases or conflicts of interest that could affect the narrative.

Sources

  1. https://www.tiktok.com/@surveillance.came.2/video/7451650177145834782
  2. https://www.whio.com/news/local/womans-last-minute-christmas-delivery-captures-hearts-thousands-leads-new-friendship/XKCLSTCSV5AWLEERMBX43DLVXU/
  3. https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/topics/delivery/media/?page=54
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiTFAjiXrn8
  5. https://dayton247now.com/news/local/lebanon-tip-tiktok-viral-driver-delivery-fundraiser-campaign-thousands-100-hundred-uber-doordash-grocery-groceries-holiday-christmas-holidays-donation-donate-kind-kindess-happy-generous-generosity-money-ring-doorbell-warren-county-deliver-delivering