Woman Told Her Self-Checkout ‘Trick’ Is Actually Illegal

A woman who claims to have a self-checkout 'hack' has been warned that she's actually breaking the law. Whoops.

An Aussie shopper wrote into news.com.au legal advice page to enquire about a dubious tip her pal had given about using the self-scanners.

PA

In her letter, the woman explains that her friend 'regularly puts through more expensive veg - such as avocados - as brown onions'.

The friend reckons this doesn't count as theft because she's 'still paying for something' and believes that supermarkets factor in the cost of 'self-checkout fraud' into their prices.

The woman goes on to say she's sure it is stealing and is concerned that her friend will get in trouble, but when she raises her concerns with her mate, she simply brushes them off and says 'everyone does it'.

And it seems that the letter writer was right to be worried, with lawyers Alison and Jillian Barrett confirming that it is indeed theft.

They replied: "It doesn't matter how your friend tries to justify her behaviour, her deceitful conduct in intentionally not paying full price is against the law.

"Your friend's technique of using the self-service checkout to pass off more expensive items as cheaper ones cheats the system by underpaying.

"Her fraudulent behaviour is just one of many tricks employed by self-service thieves to avoid payment."

PA

They went on to warn the woman that security staff will be on the lookout for anyone attempting to commit some self-scan thievery.

The lawyers explain: "If they believe a theft has occurred, security officers and store staff have the right to search your friend's bags to check the goods and the prices paid.

"An excuse like getting avocados confused with brown onions is likely not going to cut it'.

If caught, the supermarket may call the police and she could be hit with a caution, this could escalate and may result in the woman having to undertake community service.

PA

The worst case scenario, if the woman is found to be a repeat offender, would see her getting hit with a fine of up to $1,250AUD (£673) or up to 10 years in prison. Yikes.

I think I'd rather just pay full price for my avocados.

Topics: crime

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19