Lawyer says he would 'never' use a self-checkout machine while shopping

20 March 2023 , 15:39

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Not everyone is a fan of the self-serve checkout (Image: Getty Images)

A lawyer has claimed people could be at risk of being falsely accused of stealing if they use self-checkout to buy their items.

Taking to TikTok, San Diego criminal defense attorney Dod Ghassemkhani, urged his followers not to use self-checkout at any store to avoid getting caught up in a shoplifting case.

In a viral video, he told his followers that he refuses to use any self-checkout lines at stores - explaining that the "number one way for someone to be caught up in a shoplifting case" is by using them.

He went on to claim that staff at grocery stores such as Walmart or Target carry out inventory checks every couple of days.

And if stock is missing - they contact their Loss Prevention Officer who will review CCTV looking for where any losses may have occurred, he claimed.

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He added: "All these stores have a huge asset protection program, tons of loss prevention officers who spend hours reviewing video."

He then gave an example of a shopper being distracted by their kids and forgetting to scan an item or scan it incorrectly before walking out.

Mr Ghassemkhani continued: "You're going to get a citation for a theft related offense, you might have a defence for it but a loss prevention officer is not gonna hear it. You're gonna have to go in front of a judge and embarrass yourself and fight the case that way."

To avoid fighting the case that way, he simply said people should never use a self-checkout line.

"It's so much easier and it will make your life so much easier," he added.

One viewer commented: "Never used a self checkout line and will never. I've left my items and walked out. I'm not your employee I'm your customer."

Another said: "He is right. I was accused of theft at Walmarts self check out line! I got it cleared but I had to go to court to clear it."

A third added: "I only use them for quick small orders. Otherwise I go to a cashier. Business should only utilize them for express quick orders. Problem solved."

Rosaleen Fenton