There are now multiple reports of:
Customers being detained over minor scanning errors
False “theft” flags due to sensor malfunctions
Employees watching security footage and misinterpreting honest mistakes
Elderly or disabled shoppers unfairly targeted
One viral story shared online involved a woman who was accused of stealing produce because she forgot to weigh her fruit — but had already paid for it.
Another shopper was confronted by store security after the machine didn’t register an item — even though he placed it in the bagging zone.
These aren’t isolated incidents.
They’re part of a growing trend where the burden of mistake-free shopping falls squarely on the customer — and the penalty can be humiliation or even legal action.
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