Have you ever found yourself debating whether to use self-checkout machines or not?
According to San Diego criminal defense attorney in a recent video, Dod Ghassemkhani of Dod Law, you have a good reason to be careful.
With his TikTok video garnering over 4.2 million views and sparking a debate on social media, the broader implications of this issue are worth looking into further.
The video about self-checkout has sparked a conversation with over 7000 comments from people sharing their experiences.
Should people use self-checkout machines?
In the video, San Diego criminal defense attorney Dod Ghassemkhani says he is "doubling down" on his message about self-checkout lines.
He warned viewers against using self-checkout machines at stores, claiming it puts them at risk of being falsely accused of stealing.
He argued that retail stores such as Walmart and Target carry out inventory checks every couple of days. If stock is missing, they contact their Loss Prevention Officer who will review "hours" of the CCTV footage.
As a result, if someone is distracted by their kids and forgets to scan an item or scans it incorrectly, they could receive a citation for a theft-related offense.
"It's so much easier and it will make your life so much easier," he says in the video.
He follows this video with a second video, where he argues that if someone is distracted or forgets to scan an item or scans it incorrectly, they could receive a citation for a theft-related offense.
Reaction to the Video
Many people have agreed with Dod Ghassemkhani’s advice, with some commenting, “self-checkouts are the worst” and “this is so true.”
Others have argued that it is a “nanny-state” and that people should be trusted to use the machines without being accused of stealing.
One person said in the comments: "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."
This video has raised an important issue about how self-checkouts can be an easy way to be falsely accused of stealing. And yet, the introduction of machines has been convenient for many people.
Self-Checkout Risks
To fully understand the risks associated with self-checkout machines, it is important to examine the various ways in which consumers can be falsely accused of stealing.
This includes technical malfunctions, user error, and intentional theft. By examining these factors, consumers can make informed decisions about whether or not to use self-checkout machines in the future.
While being falsely accused of stealing may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have serious legal implications. A citation for a theft-related offense can result in fines, community service, and even jail time.
According to a recent US shopper survey in a retail business magazine, "20% admitted to intentionally cheating at the self-checkout registers."
Meanwhile, the market for self-checkout systems in retail is growing in the United States. It is anticipated to be worth $2.97 Billion by 2028.
Final thoughts
Last year, we wrote about the San Diego lawyer's claim that self-checkout machines can create more problems than it solves for retail.
Still, this video has highlighted the potential risks associated with their use. Consumers need to be aware of these risks and remember that using a self-checkout machine may not always be in their best interests.
What do you think about this? Should people avoid using self-checkout machines?
Share your honest thoughts on this topic by leaving a comment below, and let your friends and family know about it through social media.
Disclaimer: This article is only for educational and informational purposes. The article and its information are not intended to provide advice, and readers should not solely rely on it as a source of advice.
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