Check out before you checkout!

You might want to think twice about using the electronic self checkout facilities at the big box stores. We have had clients who made an innocent mistake by missing an item when checking out who were then accused by store security of attempted shoplifting. Most of these mistakes were made when the item was not recognized by the electronic scanner and the customer did not realize it. Security personnel at these stores seem unwilling to listen to any explanation provided by the customer. Criminal charges are rarely brought as a result of these incidents but the customer may receive a letter from the stores's attorney demanding a $150 civil penalty be paid by the customer.

Pennsylvania law does allow the store to send such a letter but there is no obligation for the customer to pay this penalty unless a civil action is brought and won in court which is rarely done by the store. If you receive one of these letters, please contact our office for a consultation regarding your legal rights. In order to be safe, you might be better off in avoiding the electronic self checkout lines. If you do utilize them, be extremely cautious and be absolutely certain all of your items are on the receipt.