Is it illegal to accept a food delivery that isn’t for you? Rules on Uber Eats & Deliveroo takeaway orders

HAVE you ever had a nice surprise and had a takeaway you didn't order turn up at your door?

Here's everything you need to know when it comes to accepting a fast food delivery that wasn't meant for you - plus if you could get in trouble for bagging a 'free' takeout.

1

Is it illegal to accept a food delivery that isn't for you?

It is not against the law to accept someone else's food delivery if it has been delivered to your address by mistake.

According to the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have the right to keep items that are sent to you - whether you made the order or not.

You don't have to pay for them or return them to the company. And, if you receive a demand for payment - you can ignore it.

What should you do if you receive a food delivery that isn't for you?

If you have received a food delivery that you didn't order, simply hand it back to the delivery driver.

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If they have already gone, then you should contact the company responsible for dispatching the order.

You can ring them up if it's a local restaurant. Alternatively, you may need to email or contact the eatery via live chat if it is a chain.

In some instances, you might need to go through the app's customer service section to sort the issue out.

Chains such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo recommended taking this route if you receive the wrong order or an order you didn't expect.

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It's also useful to include a picture of the receipt from the incorrect order bag and the contents of the bag.

How are delivery companies circumventing food deliveries delivered to the wrong address?

Some companies have put measures in place to make sure that deliveries are always sent to the correct address.

Uber Eats and Deliveroo get round this issue by sending the recipient a code that they have to give to the driver to verify they have been sent the correct order.

Other local restaurants may verify orders in a similar way or ask for you to confirm your name or items you've requested.

You can of course, avoid this issue by collecting your order from the retailer.

Another option is to visit the drive-thru at fast food venues such as McDonald's, Burger King or KFC.