Memphis, TN – A Walmart customer has been banned from every store in the U.S. after being caught using a sneaky self-checkout trick to pay just $1 for expensive merchandise.
Ashley Cross, who was arrested at a Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard, allegedly used a clever barcode swap to trick the self-checkout system.
The Clever ‘Watch’ Trick That Fooled the System
According to police reports, Cross placed a barcode from a cheap watch battery on her wrist. Instead of scanning the real barcodes of the items in her cart, she scanned the $1 barcode on her wrist—allowing her to walk away with a full cart of merchandise for next to nothing.
The stolen items included a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles, totaling $137.34. But thanks to her barcode scam, she only paid a fraction of the real cost.
How She Got Caught
Walmart security became suspicious and reviewed footage of her checkout process. After noticing the barcode switch, store employees confronted her. Cross was arrested on the spot and charged with theft of merchandise and criminal trespass.
Authorities later discovered that she had a history of shoplifting at multiple stores.
Walmart Responds with a Lifetime Ban
Following the incident, Walmart issued a lifetime ban against Cross, barring her from entering any of their stores nationwide. The retail giant released a statement saying, “We are committed to maintaining a safe and fair shopping environment for our customers and employees. Unfortunately, some individuals abuse self-checkout systems, and we take such actions seriously.”
Retail Theft on the Rise
This case highlights a growing issue for retailers. While self-checkout provides convenience, it also opens the door for theft. Retailers like Walmart are now stepping up security with AI-powered monitoring systems, locked-up high-value items, and increased surveillance.
However, some customers have expressed frustration over these changes, saying they make shopping less convenient. Many are calling for a balance between security measures and a smooth shopping experience.
As for Cross, she is currently in custody and is set to appear in court on February 19.
