A LAW firm has advised shoppers to follow one simple piece of advice when using self checkout machines at Walmart and Kroger.
Steven R. Adams, LLC of the legal firm Not Guilty Adams, claims that many shoppers are being wrongfully slapped with theft citations after visiting stores across the country.
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But in a blog post, the firm based in Ohio say there is a simple solution.
“One answer is to not use them,” they wrote.
“Most stores will still have a couple cashiers available to assist you.
“Our suggestion is to use them and besides using cashiers is a great way to support their employment, let them do all the work and have some conversation.
“After all, these stores aren’t paying you to ring up your own items.”
The advice comes after a series of horror stories emerged this year about wrongful accusations at self-checkouts.
Between January 2021 and March 2022, more than 60 customers were arrested at a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona after accidentally forgetting to scan some items.
And it appears the machines are only going to get more common.
The law firm recognises that shoppers are bound to make mistakes and should be aware of the dangers.
They said if you are stopped by the store’s loss prevention team, it’s probably because you are caught on camera doing something that appears to be questionable.
They will take you inside an office and ask you questions, the firm explained.
While you might be inclined to plead your case, the firm says to say nothing.
It is within your Miranda rights to remain silent and in this case, the firm believes it’s the right course of action.
The store will call the police and depending on the severity of the theft, you will most likely receive a citation and be given a court date, the firm explained.
You will then need to contact a lawyer and see which option is best for you, according to the firm.
Most states have a diversion program for first-time theft offenders or you can take your case to trial, the firm suggested.