A WALMART shopper has hit out at the retailer after being forced to comply with a frustrating anti-theft policy.
Many large retailers have begun implementing more serious theft prevention protocols due to rampant shoplifting.
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Customers continue to express how the policies create long lines and wait times, as well as an unpleasant shopping experience.
A big sticking point for buyers is receipt checks.
People think that because they are forced to use self-checkout, employees must trust that they are scanning their items accurately.
A Walmart customer got angry with X over the policy and shared his response to the workers.
“Walmart wants receipts for unbagged groceries,” the shopper began. tweet.
“I’m carrying ramen noodles and toilet paper. Yes, I mind if you get my receipt, but here it is.
“I’m not stopping for you to examine my 2 items. If I’m stealing ramen and TP, you should probably let me. That would indicate I need it.”
‘I DON’T COMPLY’
Many shoppers have said they will not show their receipts to staff at the door.
A customer shared how much Walmart has changed since adopting the anti-theft policy.
“In the past, the greeter would just say, ‘Hello, welcome to Walmart,’” they wrote.
“Now they serve a dual purpose as they randomly check people’s receipts as they leave.”
The customer also detailed how their cheerful greeting now has a hidden meaning behind it.
He said when an employee asks for a receipt check, he says, “Have a nice day” as he leaves the store.
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 in itself a reason 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.
“Personally, I don’t comply,” he said.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. I wish people would ask each other for help more often instead of stealing.”
‘SHOW YOUR RECEIPT’
While the act is frustrating for many, one lawyer told The US Sun that it could save buyers hassle in the long run.
Camron DowlatshahiLos Angeles lawyer and founding partner of Mills Sadat Dowlat LLPsaid people may say no, but they may not want to.
“Perhaps this will create unnecessary inconvenience for you,” Dowlatshahi said.
“But now you can have the police come to your house and follow up.”
The police may come to your home if they believe you stole something, but officials were unable to check.
Dowlatshahi gave advice on how to avoid police knocking on your door or uncomfortable shopping experiences.
“I would say, show the receipt. It’s a very simple thing to do,” she said.
“If you haven’t stolen anything, it’s relatively simple to do.”
The US Sun has reached out to Walmart for comment.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
