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TikTok Attorney Warns You Of Self-Checkout Scam

Imagine going to jail for using the self-checkout kiosk? Well, an attorney is warning about this potential scam. If you go into a grocery store, you almost immediately realize that…

Self-Checkout Scam

Purchasing items at a self-checkout kiosk

Drazen Zigic via Getty Images

Imagine going to jail for using the self-checkout kiosk? Well, an attorney is warning about this potential scam.

If you go into a grocery store, you almost immediately realize that majority of them have a self-checkout. To cut costs of employees working checkout lines, they get more self-checkout kiosks to replace them. But is this necessarily a good thing for customers?

Yes, it makes things faster. But you do all the work and usually on your way out, there are one or two employees checking on you to make sure you're not stealing anything from them. Other than it can be a little quicker, that's pretty much the only perk to self-checkout. But why could it be bad for you?

This Is A Warning

Her name is Carrie Jernigan. Who is she? Carrie is a criminal defense attorney that is on TikTok. Carrie likes to weigh in on current cases that hits the news. She also lets her followers know of anything that could potentially hurt them physically or financially. She recently posted a TikTok video of her warning her followers to STOP using self-serve checkouts at stores.

Jernigan told 7 News in Australia that shoppers should not use and avoid self-serve kiosks "unless you are ready and willing to go to jail." Now most would wonder why. They have someone there watching you. Yes, if you're dishonest, you could easily steal something and most likely get away with it. But that's it right there. It gives you the option to try to get away with stealing one item in your shopping cart. But it could also get you in trouble, even if you didn't steal an item and were completely honest.

Who And How Does It Affect You

In her TikTok video, Carrie states there are three types of people who could be charged with stealing from a self-checkout. The first group of people are the shoplifters who do it on a regular basis. Second group are the ones who steal items "by mistake," she says. And the third group are the people who genuinely forgot to scan an item.

She says the stores don't really care which group you're in. Stores may have cut back on checkout employees, but they still have people who monitor video footage of the self-checkouts. At the end of the day when inventory is done, and something doesn't add up, they will go to the tapes to see who stole from them. That's where it gets tricky. If you legitimately forgot to scan something and got out of the store without any stoppage, you may have gotten away with a mistake, but a charge could come your way later on down the road. You may have not stolen anything and actually paid for everything in your cart, but if the video looks like you may have stolen something, they may come after you.

How To Protect Yourself From This Happening To You

Carrie tells her 1.4 million followers to not pay with cash at the self-checkout kiosks. Using cash will make it much harder to show or prove you actually paid for an item. Instead, she urges people to use a debit or credit card to pay. Also keep your receipts she says. If you are in fact contacted at a later date and are being accused of stealing, your receipt and card payment can be used as proof.

Her series on this has attracted millions of views so far. And what she's saying is absolutely true. Will you be more cautious now at self-checkouts?

We have more on this story in today's edition of a Few Things You Should Know!

Parents, Save More Money Shopping By Doing This

Here ya go parents, you can actually save more money shopping by doing this! Just a few tips to follow that can also make shopping relaxing and stress free! All you have to do is follow a few easy steps! All outlined on The Mike & Carla Morning Show this morning!

SWNS recently published results of a survey done with over two-thousand US parents. The study results showed that two in three parents found that going to the store with their kids ends up being more expensive than if they were to shop alone! On the flipside, going alone costs them an average of $133, while shopping with their kids cost them an average of $179!

Start by shopping alone!

Results of the poll also showed that going alone allowed parents to buy different items from different stores. A whopping sixty-Five percent of the two-thousand polled said this. While alone, forty-four percent of the parents look for groceries, forty-percent can look for beauty products, forty percent search electronics, and thirty-eight percent shop for clothes. All with no children with them!

If you do shop with kids...

Now, if you do decide to bring the kids, the survey percentages drop a lot! Thirty-five percent of parents surveyed claimed that it was a struggle having the kids along! This lead to bribery to behave. Forty-four percent of  parents said they bride their kids to be good while shopping. Of that forty-four percent, only eighteen percent say it works. This is where the extra spending comes into play mostly. Bribed with snacks, toys, and candy.

So mom and dad, next time you think about going shopping for the kids, maybe you should just leave them at home. If for nothing else, it can save you money! We have more on this story in today's edition of a "Few Things You Should Know!"

7 Lessons Children Can Learn From Shopping With Parents

The Value of The Dollar

62% of those polled said their kids earn the value of a dollar while shopping with them.

Dollar BillsiStock via Getty Images Plus

Knowing The Difference of Necessary Items vs. Wanted Items

58% of the parents polled said having their kids with them allowed them to teach their kids the difference between necessary items and items it would be "nice to have!"

Kid With Star Wars ToyKena Betancur / Stringer via Getty Images

Learn Patience

Half of those polled (1,000) said that having their kids with them shopping teaches them patience...that's if you're not bribing them!

Patience Word BlocksSinArtCreative via Getty Images

How To Find Deals When Shopping

50% of the parents also said it helps their kids learn how to look for deals.

Sale SignsJessica McGowan / Stringer via Getty Images

Items Actually Needed

47% of the parents polled said having their kids with them helped them learn items that are needed in daily life.

Toilet PaperBrandon Bell / Staff via Getty Images

How To Find Things In Stores

39% of parents said having their kids with them while shopping allows them to learn how to find items in stores.

Shopping With KidsProstock-Studio via Getty Images

How To Ask For Assistance

37% said that having their kids with them while shopping allows them to learn how to properly ask for assistance, when needed.

Ask For HelpAndres Victorero via Getty Images

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MortyWriter
Morty is the Executive Producer of “The Mike And Carla Morning Show” on 96.3 KKLZ. He's been a part of the show and station for 5 years. Aside from producing the morning show, he has served as production director for over 20 years. Those commercials you hear between the music, he produced a lot of them for Las Vegas! He loves music, playing guitar, all things Vegas Golden Knights, the Steelers, and his English Bulldog, Squish! He will talk forever with you on any of these things! Morty writes about peculiar news stories and Las Vegas happenings.