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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Switched Tags, Cashier Noticed, Will They Trace Me

    I made a big mistage and will never do it in future,
    In a big retail chain store, I switched a clearance sticker of one item to the other clearance item, the difference was just a couple of dollars (i know very very stupid of me) but the cashier noticed the stuck on tag not belonging to this item and asked me if I wanted to buy it at its original price I said I dont want it (now I think I should have just bought it at its right price). I paid for others with cc, just then I remembered that I wanted to buy two more items as I had coupons for them, so I went back again to get those and meanwhile there were two three other cashiers(possibly with the manager) discussing and looking at the switched tag of the item that I said I didnt want. During this second transaction another cashier was there all the time looking over what I was buying for how much, he was also suspicious of my coupons but they were all legitimate, After I paid with my CC, this second cashier printed another copy of my receipt from the register and also took away my coupons with the copied receipt with him. I am hoping it was just to evaluate my coupons. But it could be for something else too.
    I am freaking out as to they may go through the surveillance and try to pursue me from my CC, but if I have not bought that item can they actually charge me just for switching tags? during the first purchase I also switched tags of two more items but got afraid and removed them before they were scanned. I am not sure how much of switching they have on the video, may be my whole trip, but eventually I did not buy anything wrong, everything I bought was at the right price and with legitimate coupons. I will not go to that store for a long time and will not do such a thing again, but I know they will definitely go through it as there were not many customers so they had all the time to look into it and the second cashier seemed very keen on pursuing it.
    I am very scared and cant focus on anything.

    Can someone please let me know if I am legal trouble at this point? what can I be charged for?

    thank you all in advance.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Switched Tags, Cashier Noticed, Will They Trace Me

    You are not in legal trouble as of yet. But if they review tapes AND if the tapes show price switching AND if they decide to notify the police, then you can get charged with retail fraud. I am not sure.. In some (but not in all) states any behavior that idicates initial intent to steal (even if you changed your mind later and removed the wrong sticker from the item or an unpaid item from the purse and put it back on the shelf) is considered a crime and can be prosecuted. I don't know how it is in your state.

    You shouldn't be freaking out. What's done is done. You may be fine, but if the store follows up on that incident, then you need to consult an attorney so that you can get out of it with the best outcome for you. In any case, relax, you did NOT murder or rape anyone. Nobody is going to kill you for shoplifting. People do much worse things every day. The worst that may happen to you is a misdemeanor record, which you will probably be able to get expunged after about 5 years. In any case, just don't switch stickers anymore - that's the biggest (and most useful) favor you can do to yourself.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    207

    Default Re: Switched Tags, Cashier Noticed, Will They Trace Me

    Get a misdemeanor conviction expunged after five years? I didn't see a state in the OP. Such rapid expungement is not available everywhere.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Switched Tags, Cashier Noticed, Will They Trace Me

    Quote Quoting TheArgumentative
    View Post
    Get a misdemeanor conviction expunged after five years? I didn't see a state in the OP. Such rapid expungement is not available everywhere.
    You are right. I confused this thread with another. The state is not indicated, and not all states expunge records in 5 years or ever.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Switched Tags, Cashier Noticed, Will They Trace Me

    thanks alisa, I definitely have learned a big lesson but I am far from getting over my worries because their actions definitely suggested that they wanted to pursue it after I left and I will be in big trouble even if the record is only for five years because of my immigrant status.
    How is intent to steal prosecuted? do they inform cops and do they come knocking with a warrant? how is intent to steal punished if found guilty in the state of Iowa?
    can they send a civil demand in such cases? but for what if I didnt steal anything?

  6. #6

    Default Re: Switched Tags, Cashier Noticed, Will They Trace Me

    The store may send a civil demand if they want to. There is no point arguing it, so just pay if you get one.

    Probably it is more common that you would get a court date in the mail, rather than having a police show up. But ultimately it is the same thing. Police thing just sounds more scary, that's all. If they don't have good evidence against you (cameras differ in stores and not all of them are real ones; they may not catch every angle), they can hope to obtain a free confession from you through the police. Just remain silent or don't say anything that would incriminate you if anyone questions you.

    I don't know anything about Iowa laws. You don't need a lawyer right now, but if you do, consult the one who knows about immigration issues.

    Oh, and don't go to back to that store because their strategy may be to get a confession out of you to make their job easier. Or they will be hoping to catch you next time you do smth like this. Just avoid them. Still, do the research and try to spot a lawyer with great reviews/connections. That would be better than worrying.

    One more thing: search warrant is also not out of question, so just make sure you know what they will find if they show up. But search warrant is probaly not very likely for price switching.

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