Survey Reveals 27% of Shoppers Admit to Stealing at Self-Checkouts
A recent survey conducted by LendingTree has revealed that more than one in four shoppers, specifically 27%, have admitted to stealing items at self-checkout kiosks. This figure marks an increase from 15% in 2023. The survey, which included over 2,050 U.S. adults, highlighted that Millennials and Gen Zers are more likely to engage in this behavior, with 41% and 37% respectively admitting to it. In contrast, only 2% of Baby Boomers reported similar actions. The survey also found that men are twice as likely as women to steal at self-checkouts. Interestingly, individuals from households earning over $100,000 annually were more than twice as likely to steal compared to those earning under $49,999. The primary motivations cited for this behavior were necessity and the unaffordability of essentials, with 47% of respondents pointing to the high cost of living and 48% blaming price increases due to tariffs. 
