Have you ever had someone referred you to a place/business and told you to mention their name and you'll received a discount and/or special treatment but you did not get it ?

I have always wondered why do people do that ?
It’s always the same BS: when you get there and mention their name,the people look at you like: OK! Big deal,so you know him,you still have to pay full price !
*Has that ever happened to you and if so how did you deal with it ?