Shopping Tricks that Could Result in Legal Trouble

If you browse social media sites, you may have noticed posts that provide what are known as “life hacks.” While most of this content is harmless, following certain advice could leave you in legal peril. This is especially true when it comes to shopping tricks.

Shopping life hacks are usually framed in a way that suggests exploiting loopholes. However, there is a possibility that these suggestions are simply illegal. Theft is defined in several ways, so think about what you are doing when it comes to trying to get a discount.

Altering Price Tags or other Markings

This suggestion is not recommended, as this is considered an attempt to steal merchandise, even if you pay at the revised price tag. Changing weight markings falls under the same category if the item price is dependent on that metric.

Transferring Merchandise from One Container to Another

In many cases, merchandise containers include a bar code that is scanned to confirm price. Transferring a more expensive product to a container with a lower price is still shoplifting. Do not follow this tip to reduce how much you pay.

Interchanging Labels or Price Tags

Another suggestion is interchanging labels or price tags to lower the price of items. This is in no way legal and there is the potential for anyone who does this to face criminal charges. Identifying stores that are offering sales and discounts is a better strategy.

Wrongfully Causing the Amount Paid to be Less than the Stated Price of the Merchandise

Causing the amount paid to be less than the stated price of the merchandise is a suggestion you may encounter in life hack videos. The saying “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is” comes to mind here. When stores want you to avail of lower prices, they will offer discounts or put on a sale.

Shoplifting Arrest

At the Law Office of Jeff Manciagli, we understand that you may end up in legal trouble due to poor choices. Shoplifting due to following the advice from viral videos can leave you in a precarious position. Call our offices today for a free initial consultation in Atlanta, GA.