This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!
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Self-checkout lanes have become a staple of modern shopping, offering convenience and saving time for many. But while these machines make it easy to skip long lines, they’ve also opened the door to temptation.
Imagine being in a rush, trying to make your way through a busy store, and suddenly, the thought of using a shortcut to save a few dollars crosses your mind.
Sounds harmless, right? Well, for one woman, her sneaky actions at a self-checkout turned into a lesson that we should all remember: what seems like a small trick can lead to serious consequences.
Ashley Cross, a 37-year-old woman, now faces a lifetime ban from all 4,600 Walmart locations across the country after attempting to steal $137 worth of items using a clever barcode scam.
While her story is shocking, it's also a reminder that what might seem like an innocent shortcut can have lasting consequences.
Let's dive into the details of this story and see what happened when one woman pushed the boundaries too far.
The Incident at the Self-Checkout
At a Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Ashley Cross was caught using a barcode from a watch battery to scan multiple items—each for just $1.
Among the items she tried to steal were a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles.
The total value of the haul? $137.34. But, with her scheme, she would have paid only a fraction of that price.
It wasn't a solo effort either. Cross had an accomplice who was charged for stealing $57.86 worth of goods, including two bras.
This wasn’t her first time trying to steal—her history of theft ultimately led to a nationwide ban from Walmart.
Walmart's Response to Shoplifting
In response, Walmart issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to a pleasant shopping experience for everyone.
Though rare, there are times when individuals who break the law are no longer welcome in their stores.
For Ashley, her actions resulted in criminal charges for trespassing and theft of merchandise under $1,000. She remains in jail with a $7,500 bond and is scheduled for court on February 19.
The Bigger Picture: Self-Checkout and Shoplifting
Shoplifting has been a persistent issue for retailers, and self-checkout lanes have become a hotspot for these activities.
To combat this, Walmart has introduced measures like manually checking receipts against purchases. Unfortunately, thieves have adapted, using old or counterfeit receipts to get around security.
To address this, Walmart has started using handheld scanners to verify receipts at certain locations, aiming to catch thieves in the act and deter future crimes.
Innovations in Anti-Theft Technology
To further tighten security, Walmart has explored new anti-theft technologies. One notable development is invisible barcodes on their Great Value branded items.
These barcodes, which are only detectable by self-checkout scanners, make it harder for shoplifters to swap or tamper with items.
This technology has been in use since 2019 and has added an extra layer of security to protect against theft.
Ashley Cross’s story isn't just about theft and consequences—it's about the importance of integrity, even when no one is watching.
For our GrayVine community, who has seen the evolution of shopping from small, local stores to giant retailers, the value of honesty remains timeless.
As we embrace modern conveniences like self-checkout lanes, let's remember to stay vigilant and responsible. After all, a little honesty goes a long way.
Related article:
Walmart under fire: App issues spark major customer backlash
Shocking Walmart policy change leaves shoppers furious: Here’s why one person’s trip took 4 hours!
This Walmart shopper waited an hour without even standing in line–Find out the reason behind this wasted time
What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you ever faced challenges at self-checkout lanes? Do you have any tips for maintaining security while enjoying the convenience of modern shopping? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Read next: Are microplastics hiding in your favorite fast food? Find out!
Imagine being in a rush, trying to make your way through a busy store, and suddenly, the thought of using a shortcut to save a few dollars crosses your mind.
Sounds harmless, right? Well, for one woman, her sneaky actions at a self-checkout turned into a lesson that we should all remember: what seems like a small trick can lead to serious consequences.
Ashley Cross, a 37-year-old woman, now faces a lifetime ban from all 4,600 Walmart locations across the country after attempting to steal $137 worth of items using a clever barcode scam.
While her story is shocking, it's also a reminder that what might seem like an innocent shortcut can have lasting consequences.
Let's dive into the details of this story and see what happened when one woman pushed the boundaries too far.
Where convenience meets caution: Walmart's self-checkout lanes, now a hotspot for theft prevention. Image Source: YouTube/ Mashed.
The Incident at the Self-Checkout
At a Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Ashley Cross was caught using a barcode from a watch battery to scan multiple items—each for just $1.
Among the items she tried to steal were a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles.
The total value of the haul? $137.34. But, with her scheme, she would have paid only a fraction of that price.
It wasn't a solo effort either. Cross had an accomplice who was charged for stealing $57.86 worth of goods, including two bras.
This wasn’t her first time trying to steal—her history of theft ultimately led to a nationwide ban from Walmart.
Walmart's Response to Shoplifting
In response, Walmart issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to a pleasant shopping experience for everyone.
Though rare, there are times when individuals who break the law are no longer welcome in their stores.
For Ashley, her actions resulted in criminal charges for trespassing and theft of merchandise under $1,000. She remains in jail with a $7,500 bond and is scheduled for court on February 19.
Ashley Cross, whose barcode scam at Walmart led to a nationwide ban and serious legal consequences. Image Source: YouTube / WREG News Channel 3.
The Bigger Picture: Self-Checkout and Shoplifting
Shoplifting has been a persistent issue for retailers, and self-checkout lanes have become a hotspot for these activities.
To combat this, Walmart has introduced measures like manually checking receipts against purchases. Unfortunately, thieves have adapted, using old or counterfeit receipts to get around security.
To address this, Walmart has started using handheld scanners to verify receipts at certain locations, aiming to catch thieves in the act and deter future crimes.
Innovations in Anti-Theft Technology
To further tighten security, Walmart has explored new anti-theft technologies. One notable development is invisible barcodes on their Great Value branded items.
These barcodes, which are only detectable by self-checkout scanners, make it harder for shoplifters to swap or tamper with items.
This technology has been in use since 2019 and has added an extra layer of security to protect against theft.
Ashley Cross’s story isn't just about theft and consequences—it's about the importance of integrity, even when no one is watching.
For our GrayVine community, who has seen the evolution of shopping from small, local stores to giant retailers, the value of honesty remains timeless.
As we embrace modern conveniences like self-checkout lanes, let's remember to stay vigilant and responsible. After all, a little honesty goes a long way.
Related article:
Walmart under fire: App issues spark major customer backlash
Shocking Walmart policy change leaves shoppers furious: Here’s why one person’s trip took 4 hours!
This Walmart shopper waited an hour without even standing in line–Find out the reason behind this wasted time
What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you ever faced challenges at self-checkout lanes? Do you have any tips for maintaining security while enjoying the convenience of modern shopping? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Read next: Are microplastics hiding in your favorite fast food? Find out!
