Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Self-Checkout Machines
We’ve all been there—standing in front of a self-checkout machine at the store, feeling frustrated and confused as the machine refuses to cooperate. These gadgets were designed to make shopping easier and faster, but in reality, they often cause more problems than they solve. And now, there’s even more reason to be cautious about using them.
The Real Reason Stores Love Self-Checkout Machines
Sylvain Charlebois, a professor at Dalhousie University and head of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab, explains that stores primarily adopted self-checkout systems not for the benefit of customers but for cost-cutting purposes. These machines were seen as a way to reduce labor costs, with retailers like Walmart and Target investing heavily in them. In fact, some stores can save up to 66% on labor costs by replacing cashiers with automated systems.
But while retailers have embraced self-checkouts as a way to save money, customers have not shared the same enthusiasm. From technical glitches to frustrating user experiences, self-checkout systems have been widely criticized for making the shopping process more cumbersome.
The Hidden Dangers: False Accusations of Shoplifting
While technical issues are a common complaint, self-checkout machines have a much darker side: some stores have been accused of using these systems to falsely accuse customers of shoplifting. In an effort to cover up system errors, some stores target innocent customers, claiming they stole items or failed to scan them properly.
A troubling trend has emerged where customers—many of whom have made honest mistakes—are pursued by stores for what are often just glitches in the system. These retailers then demand payment for “stolen” goods, even though no crime was actually committed.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Warns About Self-Checkout Scams
To raise awareness, criminal defense lawyer Carrie Jernigan took to TikTok, warning people about the risks of self-checkout machines. In her video, she explained how stores like Walmart are aggressively targeting shoppers who make mistakes during self-checkout. Even minor errors, such as forgetting to scan an item, can lead to accusations of theft, and retailers often pursue legal action against customers—even when it was a mistake. This can result in court battles that are both stressful and costly.
The Risk of Jail Time for Honest Mistakes
One of the most alarming aspects of this trend is that stores often look for scapegoats to blame when things go wrong. Retailers typically rely on security footage to identify potential “offenders,” with a focus on customers who recently used the self-checkout machines. Unfortunately, they don’t always need a lot of evidence to bring charges, and in some cases, people have been falsely accused of shoplifting and faced serious legal consequences. Depending on the situation, someone wrongly accused could face up to a year in jail—even though they didn’t actually commit any crime.
How to Protect Yourself: Stick to Regular Checkout Lines
Given the serious risks associated with self-checkout machines, how can you protect yourself? The simplest and safest option is to avoid using self-checkout altogether. Instead, choose a regular checkout line where a real cashier can process your purchases. By doing so, you reduce your chances of being wrongly accused of theft and make your shopping experience safer.
In addition, having a cashier present means there’s a human there who can immediately address any issues or mistakes that may arise, ensuring the checkout process is more accurate and transparent.
Stay Aware of the Risks Around You
It’s easy to forget about the potential dangers lurking in everyday activities like grocery shopping, but it’s important to be aware of the risks that are out there. While self-checkout machines might seem like a convenient shortcut, they can leave you vulnerable to accusations that could cost you both time and money.
At the end of the day, it’s worth considering whether the small amount of time saved at a self-checkout is worth the potential risks. Staying cautious and choosing a regular checkout line might not only make your shopping experience more pleasant, but it could also save you from much bigger problems down the road.
In a world where convenience often trumps caution, it’s important to stay vigilant. Keep an eye out for the hidden risks and protect yourself from situations you don’t want to find yourself in.
