TN Woman Banned From All Walmart Stores after Self-Checkout Scam
MEMPHIS TN
By Dale Hines
February 25, 2025
A Tennessee woman is now banned from ever entering any Walmart store, anyplace in the U.S.!
According to police and a representative of Walmart, Ashley Cross was involved multiple thefts, especially at the self-checkout registers.
Cross, 37, was arrested at a Memphis Walmart for attempting to purchase $137.34 worth of goods — including jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles — for $1 each by scanning a barcode meant for a watch battery.
Cross was charged with criminal trespassing and theft of merchandise less than $1,000, and had a court date scheduled for February 19.
Walmart chain has barred her from all its stores nationwide, issuing this statement:
“We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience. Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.”
Without going into further details, retail security agents in the area said that they are familiar with Cross.
This incident is an example of an escalating trend of retail theft. In 2023, U.S. retailers reported 93% more shoplifting incidents than in 2019, and 90% more monetary losses as a result of that theft.
When it comes to self-checkout theft, more than 20 million Americans have shoplifted in this way and 41% plan to do it again, according to Capital One.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said that theft is increasing across the Walmart chain and noted that it could contribute to higher prices or store closures.
To combat self-checkout theft, Walmart has begun using ‘invisible barcodes’ that scanners can capture on items even if the codes are invisible to the naked eye.
As an added protection the staff are checking receipts against items in shoppers’ bags. As more shoplifters use fake receipts, Walmart employees are scanning receipts as customers leave the store. This has outraged some.
“Instead of having all these people standing at the doors, why don’t you have people working at the register that could actually ring up all the items & then you won’t have to worry about people not paying” one wrote.
Some stores are making it harder to steal high-value, oft-stolen items by locking them up, but this can backfire as shoppers choose to make purchases elsewhere rather than waiting for an employee to unlock an item. Despite retailers’ best efforts, shoplifters continue to find new ways to exploit self-checkout systems, turning theft prevention into a constant game of cat and mouse.
As technology evolves and security measures tighten, one thing is clear: Retailers will have to find new ways to stay one step ahead.
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