Supermarket shoppers have been warned over a self-service 'hack' intended to save you money at the checkout, as it could be classed as stealing.
Self-service tills have become an increasingly popular method of checking out when at the supermarket, which has led to some shoppers trying to beat the system without a cashier to watch them.
And lawyers have warned one shopper who has not been using the checkouts as intended that her trick to save some cash is illegal, reports The Mirror.
One woman asked for advice from News.com.au 's Sisters In Law, asking for advice from lawyers Alison and Jillian Barret after her friend was scanning expensive fruit and veg at the self-service tills as cheaper options.
The 'money-saving hack' had led to a disagreement between the two, after her friend argued that it was not stealing and not against the law.
However, lawyers have since confirmed that the behaviour is "against the law" and cautioned the shopper, and anyone else over the risky action.
The petitioner explained her friends logic and wrote: "She regularly puts through more expensive veg – such as avocados – as brown onions.
She says it’s not stealing as you’re still paying for something and that the supermarkets work the cost of 'self-check-out fraud' into their prices.
She also claims everyone does it."
However, as the experts explained, the woman had intentionally acted deceitfully, making her actions illegal.
They went onto say that such tricks prove very expensive for supermarkets and shoppers in turn, as it leads to a rise in the price of products.
In Australia, where the lawyers are based, the act can carry a number of serious consequences. These include having to pay a fine, having to pay the correct price for the items and apologise to the store, or facing criminal charges if the person at fault does not comply or is a repeat offender.
In conclusion, they implored shoppers to ask themselves if saving money of avocados is worth the risk.
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