A woman has been warned that her grocery store self-checkout ‘trick’ is actually breaking the law.
Over recent years, self-checkout machines have become a permanent feature in grocery stores.
Designed to speed up queues and reduce staffing costs, the technology has been embraced by retailers but has split opinion among shoppers.
While some welcome the convenience, others say the machines make grocery shopping more stressful, with customers expected to scan, weigh and bag their own items – all while being monitored by cameras and warning screens.
Now, one shopper has gone viral after revealing the ‘hack’ she used on the self-checkout – as it turns out she’s breaking the law.
Confession sparks shocked reactions
The woman’s admission quickly gained traction online, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.
Some viewers were shocked to learn the behavior could be illegal, while others admitted they had seen – or even tried – similar ‘tricks’ themselves.
The debate highlighted how common the practice has become, particularly at busy stores where customers believe they are unlikely to be challenged.
One person wrote: “I had no idea this was illegal!”
In agreement, a second said: “That’s so scary, I’m definitely stopping this!”
Lawyers warn behavior could lead to police involvement
The viral moment caught the attention of legal experts, who warned that deliberate misuse of self-checkouts is a growing issue for retailers.
Lawyers Alison and Jillian Barrett explained that theft linked to self-service checkouts costs Australian supermarkets billions of dollars each year.
“This dishonest behaviour unfortunately affects us all by pushing up grocery prices,” they said, adding that retailers are increasingly alert to suspicious activity at self-checkouts.
They also explained that if staff believe a theft has occurred, security officers have the right to intervene.
“If they believe a theft has occurred, security officers and store staff have the right to search your friend’s bags to check the goods and the prices paid,” they said.
They also explained that feigning ignorance is unlikely to get you off the hook.
Serious consequences for shoppers caught out
The lawyers proceeded to break down the punishments people using this method could receive under Australian law, stating that minor incidents of shoplifting, which involve goods valued at less than $150, are dealt with by the police rather than the courts.
Consequences of this are usually paying the full value of what has been stolen/underpaid and issuing an apology to the shop.
The police may also issue a caution about not engaging in this conduct again, and you would need to submit an undertaking agreeing to this.
If any stolen items are worth more than $30, the person would have to perform community service, with the lawyers claiming community service would need to be performed for every $5 value of the goods stolen.
The ‘hack’ which is actually illegal
A woman named Kayla shared with lawyers Alison and Jillian Barrett that her friend often puts more expensive vegetables – such as avocado – through the self-checkout as brown onions.
In a News.com.au column, Kayla explained: “She says it’s not stealing as you’re still paying for something. And that the supermarkets work the cost of ‘self-check-out fraud’ into their prices.
“She also claims everyone does it! I’m sure it’s stealing but she won’t listen to me.”
Kayla asked the two lawyers if her friend was breaking the law, to which they confirmed she was.
While rising grocery costs continue to frustrate shoppers, experts warn that using self-checkout tricks can carry lasting consequences.
What starts as an attempt to save a few dollars could result in police involvement, fines, or even criminal charges.
As tempting as it may be, the message from lawyers is clear: deliberately mis-scanning items at the self-checkout is not worth the risk.
