A WALMART shopper refused to show her receipt after the retailer implemented several anti-theft policies.
Walmart responded to the rise in store theft by introducing policies to deter shoppers from stealing.
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“If you have two cashiers open with about 60 self check out lines and the bathroom is also closed and I’m pregnant and have a baby,” said the shopper sent a message her husband.
“Sorry, I’m not digging through the back of my car for the receipt to prove I paid.”
Following a rise in organized crime, retailers like Walmart have implemented anti-theft policies in stores.
Some measures include increased security, self-checkout item limits, and random receipt checks.
Consumers say these new policies are ruining their in-person shopping experience.
Many shoppers cite waiting in long checkout lines as there are not enough employees to supervise customers at self-service kiosks.
Additionally, shoppers say they are frustrated at being treated like “criminals” after being asked to show their receipt to prove they paid.
Some buyers did not know whether they were obligated to comply.
While consumers technically don’t need to show their receipts, legal experts say refusing to comply could result in trouble with law enforcement in many states.
Other retailers like Costco are even cracking down on card sharing, asking customers to show photo ID when entering and leaving the warehouse.
These anti-theft policies are pushing customers to their limits.
Some say they are abandoning in-person shopping, opting for the “pickup” option whenever possible.
Others are boycotting retailers that enforce the new policies.
But some consumers say retailers aren’t to blame.
Legality of receipt and detention checks
In an effort to reduce retail crime, stores are increasingly turning to checking receipts as customers leave.
Legally, stores can ask to see a customer’s receipts, and members-only stores have the right to demand such checks if customers agree to the terms and conditions authorizing them.
Many legal professionals have evaluated and reached similar conclusions, warning that all states have specific laws.
Generally speaking, stores have Retailer Privilege laws that allow them to detain a person until authorities arrive when there is reasonable suspicion that a crime, such as robbery, has been committed.
Refusal to provide a receipt is not a reason in itself for a store to detain a customer; she must have additional reasons to suspect a client of criminal activity.
Due to the recent nature of receipt checks, there is little concrete legislation regarding the legality of the practice, as it takes time for the law to catch up with technology.
Setliff Law, PC states that “there is no definitive case law specifically relating to the refusal to present a receipt for purchases.”
For stores that misuse the Retailer Privilege, they may face charges of false imprisonment.
“The primary law that applies to these types of wrongful arrest cases is called ‘False Imprisonment,’” the local Hudson Valley attorney explained. Alex Mainetti.
“Of course, you are not literally arrested, but you are detained by a person who does not have the legal authority to detain you and/or wrongfully detains a client.”
It is likely that as store altercations over receipt checks continue, more lawsuits will occur giving clearer definitions and limits to the legality of receipt checks.
Many are begging other shoppers – asking them to stop stealing.
PAY
Walmart fans also criticized the retailer for its new subscription service, which it claimed offered exclusive perks to shoppers.
Walmart+ offers customers a variety of benefits, including free delivery on orders of $35 or more.
Walmart customers are not required to tip delivery drivers as tips are optional, according to Walmart’s website.
However, delivery drivers often expect a tip as thanks for the service.
Customers said they cannot afford the extra fees.
Some are canceling their subscription and threatening to shop elsewhere.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
