Walmart self-checkout warning over scammers using sneaky 'cash swap' trick

13 July 2023 , 07:19

608 0

A warning has been issued to shoppers planning to use the self-checkout lane after a 'cash swap' trick has been noticed being used by scammers in order to steal credit card information.

Police in Arvada, Colorado shared a video of one such theft happening at a Walmart store in the state. Three people can be seen in the self-checkout lane, distracting a victim before going on to steal his credit card.

The three can then be seen walking to a vending machine next to the checkout area, according to police. It's at this point one of the people makes it appear as though the victim has dropped money, bending down to give the cash back.

However, when the scammer gives the man the money, he steals his credit card from his wallet at the same time. The victim had fraudulent charges at the same Walmart that totalled an eyewatering $1,994.82 (£1,532).

Walmart self-checkout warning over scammers using sneaky 'cash swap' trick dqxikeidqkikdinv

Criminals are seen using a cash-swapping trick in a Walmart in Colorado in order to steal a customer's credit card and use it for fraudulent charges. (Arvada Police/Twitter)

Sharing a video of the interaction on their social media pages, the Arvada Police Department said: "Sorry to say that you must be aware of even casual conversations at the grocery store. Three criminals can be seen waiting to take advantage of someone checking out.

Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe

"If you have any information on the three suspects seen in this video, please contact the Arvada Police Department at 720-898-6900.

"The victim then checks his wallet while the female distracts him by asking questions. The male suspect then grabs the victim's orange credit card while all this is happening, and poof... the credit card is gone.

Walmart self-checkout warning over scammers using sneaky 'cash swap' trick

The scammer pretended the victim had dropped money and swiped the man's card when he gave the money to him (Arvada Police/Twitter)

"The victim never notices or feels it happen. The victim had fraudulent charges totalling $1994.82. These charges happened right away at the same Walmart."

People were quick to share their views of the incident on social media. One Twitter user said: "Organised crime in action. Wow."

Another said simply: "You are not safe anywhere". While one user said: "It is terrible that people are this way. So sad you can't even feel safe shopping."

This incident is the latest in a long-running saga which store bosses have been complaining about for months. Walmart executives and other megastores have been complaining that crime is a growing problem in their stores across America.

Police are asking anyone with information on the three suspects to come forward (Arvada Police/Twitter)

"Theft is an issue," said Walmart CEO in the US Doug McMillon to CNBC in December. "It's higher than what it has historically been,"

He went on to warn that the increase in shoplifting could lead to higher prices and stores closing. He said: "We've got safety measures, security measures that we've put in place by store location.

"I think local law enforcement being staffed and being a good partner is part of that equation, and that's normally how we approach it."

Target also saw a spike in shoplifting in 2022. Chief Financial Officer Michael Fiddelke said there had been a 50 per cent increase in the crime in a year which cost the company more than $400 million in the 2022 fiscal year alone. He warned that most of the shoplifting was organised retail theft, instead of petty theft.