New York City, NY – A high-end restaurant in Greenwich Village has been forced to temporarily close its doors after falling victim to a payroll cyberscam that resulted in a $45,000 loss. Gotham Restaurant co-owner Bret Csencsitz shared that the decision to pause operations was made after he unknowingly transferred funds to a fraudulent entity.
Csencsitz recounted how the incident unfolded on a typical Friday, when a scammer posing as a reputable payroll company employee contacted him and his HR staff, requesting a change in banking information due to supposed “internal issues.” Despite initial appearances, it was later discovered that the email address contained a minor discrepancy that went unnoticed until after the transfer was made.
The co-owner emphasized the importance of vigilance in such situations, advising other businesses to exercise caution and thoroughly verify any changes in financial information. Csencsitz expressed surprise at the lack of safeguards provided by financial institutions to protect against such scams.
In the wake of the financial loss and an anticipated decline in customer traffic during the summer months, Csencsitz made the difficult decision to close the restaurant temporarily. Employees were informed of the closure, with assurances that efforts were being made to explore options for the future.
Although Gotham Restaurant has faced challenges in the past, including a prolonged closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Csencsitz remains determined to reopen with modifications to enhance the dining experience. In the meantime, he has reported the incident to the FBI and is working closely with the agency to address the matter.
Csencsitz’s message to fellow restaurateurs emphasizes the importance of cyber insurance and thorough verification processes to avoid falling victim to similar scams. As the establishment looks towards reopening with renewed determination, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for businesses navigating the complexities of financial transactions in a digital age.
