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Scan your purchases yourself instead of putting them on the conveyor belt at the checkout: self-scanning is very popular with retailers. But the system also has gaps, as shown by examples from Aargau.
«Have you recorded all products?» This or a similar question appears on the screen at the self-checkout before paying. A 30-year-old from Aargau might theoretically answer “Yes”, but that was only half the truth. Because before he paid, he deleted individual products. As a result, he stole goods worth 130 francs.
The man used this trick a total of 14 times in various Migros branches, reports the Aargau portal «Argovia Today». Because he had first scanned the products, this was not considered theft, but he committed “minor misuse of a data processing system”, it says with reference to the penalty order.
In the end, the crooked tour was not worth it: fines and fees amounted to 1040 francs – almost ten times as much as the value of the goods stolen.
Not an isolated case
The portal also knows of other brazen smart guys in Aargau who were busted at the self-checkout in Migros. A 35-year-old bagged a total of 190 francs worth of purchases with the same trick. Because she always went shopping in the same two branches, the Aargau woman caught the eye of the security service. According to the report, she has to shell out a fine of CHF 1,000.
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Migros is aware of this trick, but the problem is not too serious. “The vast majority of our customers are trustworthy and honest and use the new technologies to simplify their shopping,” said Raphaël Wyss, media spokesman for the Aare Migros Cooperative, to “Argovia Today”.
A request sent by blue News on Friday followingnoon has not yet been answered.
The Migros self-checkout general terms and conditions state: “At the end of the scanning process, the customer confirms that all items in their shopping cart and/or shopping basket have been fully and lawfully recorded by agreeing to the question ‘All items scanned completely and lawfully?’.”
What applies to self-checkout
The option of scanning and paying for your purchases yourself is on the rise at retailers. It may be that you have to face a sample. But consumers should know their rights, according to the Consumer Protection Foundation.
The foundation has various Advice on self-checkout compiled, one of which reads: «If it is determined that an item is not listed: you must have the opportunity to comment/explain yourself.» In addition, if non-scanned products are found, you should not sign anything hastily. “Because it might be an admission of guilt, with which you declare that you acted intentionally.”
However, one has to accept that a copy of the identity card is made.
