Apr 1, 2025
A Tennessee woman has been banned from every Walmart in the U.S. in connection with a self-checkout scam.
WREG News 3 Memphis reports that Ashley Cross, 37, was arrested at a Memphis Walmart for attempting to purchase $137.34 worth of goods — including jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles — for $1 each by scanning a barcode meant for a watch battery.
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Charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000, Cross was to appear in court Feb 19. Meanwhile, the Walmart chain has barred her from all its stores nationwide, issuing this statement:
“We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience. Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.”
Sheer scale of self-checkout theft
This incident is an example of an escalating trend of retail theft. In 2023, U.S. retailers reported 93% more shoplifting incidents than in 2019, and 90% more monetary losses as a result of that theft.
When it comes to self-checkout theft, more than 20 million Americans have shoplifted in this way and 41% plan to do it again, according to Capital One.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told CNBC that theft is increasing across the Walmart chain, and noted that it could contribute to higher prices or store closures.
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How retailers are fighting back
To combat self-checkout theft, Walmart has begun using 'invisible barcodes' that scanners can capture on items even if the codes are invisible to the naked eye.
As an added protection, staff are checking receipts against items in shoppers' bags. As more shoplifters use fake receipts, Walmart employees are scanning receipts as customers leave the store. This has outraged some.
"Instead of having all these people standing at the doors, why don’t you have people work at the register that could actually ring up all the items & then you won’t have to worry about people not payin" one wrote.
"Just shop at Target, they don’t treat you like a criminal after being forced to check yourself out," said another.
Some stores are making it harder to steal high-value, oft-stolen items by locking them up, but this can backfire as shoppers choose to make purchases elsewhere rather than waiting for an employee to unlock an item. Despite retailers’ best efforts, shoplifters continue to find new ways to exploit self-checkout systems, turning theft prevention into a constant game of cat and mouse.
As technology evolves and security measures tighten, one thing is clear: Retailers will have to find new ways to stay one step ahead.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
