Survey reveals that over 25% of self-checkout shoppers have admitted to stealing

Self-checkout lanes are designed to speed up grocery trips, but a rising number of shoppers are using them to take items without paying. A recent LendingTree survey found that 27% of Americans who have used self-checkout admitted to deliberately bypassing the scanner, up from 15% in 2023.

Generational trends show Millennials (41%) and Gen Z adults (37%) are most likely to report such behavior, while only 2% of Baby Boomers admit to it. Men (38%) are more than twice as likely as women (16%) to steal at self-checkout.

When asked why they took items without scanning, 47% cited financial pressures making essentials harder to afford. Close to that, 46% blamed rising prices, including tariff-related increases, and 39% felt prices were generally unfair or excessive.

Even though people understand that stealing is wrong and know the risks, economic hardship is prompting many to take a chance, said LendingTree chief consumer analyst Matt Schulz. About one-third of respondents who admitted to stealing reported no feelings of guilt, and 35% viewed taking small items as a form of compensation for unpaid effort.

Interestingly, higher-income households were more likely to admit stealing: 40% of those earning $100,000 or more said they bypassed scanning, compared with just 17% of those making under $30,000.

Retailers Adjust Self-Checkout Availability

Self-checkout has become more widespread in recent years, but some major retailers are scaling back. In the Chicago area, Aldi removed certain self-checkout stations, sparking complaints on social media. One shopper said, Nothing scarier than the line at Aldi after they took out all the self-checkout kiosks.

Aldi explained the removal was intended to ensure the best shopping experience while maintaining value, noting self-checkout remains at many locations. Dollar General removed the option from 12,000 stores last year due to ongoing theft-related inventory losses. Target now limits express self-checkout to 10 items or fewer, and Amazon has largely withdrawn its Just Walk Out system from Amazon Fresh stores.

Self-Checkout: Convenience vs. Risk

LendingTrees survey highlights the challenge for retailers: self-checkout is popular but comes with risks. 55% of all respondents appreciate the convenience, while 55% of those who admitted to stealing said they are likely to do it again.

Frustration is understandable, but no one should be encouraged to leave without paying, Schulz added.

The survey included 2,050 U.S. adults and was conducted in October 2025.

Author: Jackson Miller