LAWYERS have revealed how shoppers wrongfully accused of theft can protect themselves.
Shoppers have been left red-faced when self-checkout machines have malfunctioned, forcing staffers to intervene.
And, retailers, including popular grocers such as Walmart, have carried out receipt checks in some stores to try and curb shoplifting.
Attorneys at the Downtown LA Law Group revealed staffers can detain shoppers they suspect are stealing items.
“Of course, not all accusations of theft are valid – in some cases, innocent shoppers are wrongfully accused of theft and are held for hours without a valid reason,” they said.
The lawyers warned shoppers could see themselves detained at a store for hours after being accused of theft.
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They claimed if the accusations are not substantiated and are based on race, it could be a civil violation.
Shoppers wrongfully accused of theft might be able to file a civil lawsuit depending on their case.
They might even receive compensation if their case is successful.
Some shoppers have been left irritated when they suspect store workers think they’re shoplifting.
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Walmart customer Kimberly Howard (@Queen78) revealed in a video that staffers confronted her several times while she was at the self-checkout.
She claimed she was accused of stealing three times at the supermarket.
Howard said the issue was over a pack of sausages and she pointed out to the worker that she had scanned the item.
She claimed another worker asked to see her receipt as she was leaving the store.
TikToker Britt (@brittwoodsfitness) said she prefers shopping at Target after being falsely accused of stealing at a Walmart store.
Shoppers have shared how being accused of stealing has left them devastated.
Mandi Smith, of Canada, said she started bawling her eyes out after the accusations were leveled at her.
Legal experts have recommended tips for shoppers to mitigate the risk of being wrongfully accused of theft.
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Justin Sparks, a criminal defense attorney, urged shoppers to take their time when using the self-checkout machines.
He also said users shouldn’t try to huddle over their machines and they should avoid quick scans.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/10336400/innocent-shoppers-accused-stealing-lawyers-protection/