McDonald's Customer Goes Viral for Returning Accidentally Received $5,000 in Cash

McDonald's Customer Goes Viral for Returning Accidentally Received $5,000 in Cash

A person who helped others without expecting anything in return, known as a Good Samaritan, became popular on TikTok after sharing his experience at a McDonald's drive-thru. The person, Josiah Vargas, says he was getting his breakfast when he noticed that the worker at the window had given him more than he requested.

In a video that has gained over 2 million views and nearly 500,000 likes, Josiah Vargas describes his experience at McDonald's, saying "I just went to McDonald's and they just handed me my Sausage McMuffin and this bag." He then reveals that the bag contained several clear plastic bags filled with cash.

As Vargas sat in the parking lot outside McDonald's, he estimated that he had received around $5,000 by accident. In the video, he expresses his internal struggle, saying "And now I have to return this because I'm a good person, I guess. Why would you guys do this to me? Do you know how bad I want this money? Why put me in this situation?"

Vargas secretly recorded himself going back inside the restaurant and approaching the staff with the bag. He jokingly asked if they were "laundering money out of here." In the video, a McDonald's employee can be heard saying "Oh my god, I really want to give you a hug" as Vargas hands over the bag. They also expressed their desire to take a picture with him.

After returning the money, Vargas states that the employees thanked him greatly, with some of them even crying due to his act of kindness. As a token of appreciation, the workers initially told him that his next month's orders at McDonald's would be complimentary. However, they decided to give him more when he was leaving.

"When I was driving away, they called me back in to give me $200," Vargas said. He added, "Do good, people. Return $5,000 and get $200 and free McDonald's for a month. Good trade value." McDonald's did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC Make It. On his TikTok profile, Vargas shared a link to a GoFundMe page where he is trying to raise $5,000. As of Monday afternoon, the page received six donations amounting to $145.