Even an unintentional mistake can lead to criminal prosecution, costly trials, or even a prison sentence. Some customers have even been forced to pay fines for items they never stole.
The major problem lies in the legal risks.
Criminal defense attorney Kerry Jernigan warns of the dangers self-checkout kiosks can pose to innocent customers. In a TikTok video, she points out that major retailers routinely prosecute people suspected of theft, even when the "theft" is due to a system error or a missed scan.
These companies rely on security camera footage and transaction histories to identify the culprit. If you're the last customer at the checkout, you could face prosecution. Even an unintentional mistake can lead to criminal charges, costly trials, and even jail time. Some customers have even been fined for items they never stole.
