SHOPPERS have been warned to pay special attention when using self-checkout machines — or potentially pay more than they should.
Self-checkout kiosks have exploded at retailers across the country as stores do everything they can to streamline checkout and prevent shoplifting.
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But many shoppers have complained that the practice makes them feel like they have become store employees themselves, having to scan and pack their own items.
Others have said the way store associates watch self-checkout customers makes them feel like thieves.
A consumer rights advocate recently reminded shoppers of another danger of self-checkout: getting overcharged.
“We as consumers need to be very vigilant and careful about the price we are promised, and then the price we are actually charged at the checkout,” Mary Bach told CBS News on Monday.
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Back said that mispriced items seem to be on the rise and recommended that shoppers make sure that every item they buy scans at the right price.
“I’m actually finding it more often now than ever and I’m very sorry to be able to say that,” Bach said.
The problem is usually related to a store’s lack of personnel, causing workers not to have enough time to keep shelf tags up-to-date with the prices in the store’s electronic system.
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“If they’ve got a tag up saying that a price is one thing and then you’re charged a higher amount at checkout, you really should protest because they are breaking the law at that point,” Bach said.
Price discrepancies happen at the regular checkout line, but there it is easier to complain because a cashier is already helping you.
Back also recommended that shoppers take advantage of store loyalty programs — they are usually free and offer significant savings.
Shoppers on social media have echoed Back’s advice before.
One Walmart customer said there are three words shoppers need to be on the lookout for to make sure they are never overcharged at self-checkout.
Julia Taylor said she was charged an extra $19.86 for an “unknown item” in her Walmart shop last month.
The TikToker, who goes by the username @julesakajuliataylor on the platform, said she initially put the total down to inflation.
But after checking her bill again and running it by the receipt-scanning app Fetch, she found the words “universal unknown item.”
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Upon checking with a store manager who also could not explain the charge, she was refunded the money.
“This is a PSA for all of my shoppers: anyone who buys groceries, anyone who goes to the store, anyone who shops — always check your receipts,” she said.