A new LendingTree survey revealed that 27% of U.S. adults have taken an item at a self‑checkout without scanning it, a jump from 15% in 2023.
Survey Overview
The online loan marketplace surveyed more than 2,050 U.S. adults, asking whether they had ever deliberately taken an item at a self‑checkout. The study found that over one in four respondents admitted to a five‑finger discount.
Generational Gap
Millennials reported the highest rate of self‑checkout theft at 41%, followed by Gen Z at 37%. In contrast, only 2% of Baby Boomers said they had ever taken an item without scanning.
Gender Disparity
Men were twice as likely as women to admit taking something without scanning. The survey did not provide exact percentages for each gender, but the disparity was clear.
Income Factor
Households earning more than $100,000 a year reported a 40% rate of self‑checkout theft, more than twice the 17% rate among those making under $49,999.
Motivations Behind the Theft
Nearly half of those surveyed said necessity, not greed, was the main reason for stealing. Among the top motivations, 47% cited that essentials were unaffordable, while 48% pointed to price increases due to tariffs.
Expert Commentary
Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst, said the survey indicates many people across the country are struggling and looking for ways to make their lives a little more affordable. “Largely unattended self‑checkouts provide a potential opportunity for folks to help themselves,” Schulz said. “Even though people know that stealing is wrong and most understand the risk they’re taking, tough times require tough choices, and lots of people are clearly willing to take a risk.”
Self‑Checkout Convenience vs. Security
Self‑checkout kiosks offer speed and convenience, but the lack of human oversight creates more opportunities for shoplifting. The study highlights a tension between the benefits of automation and the need for effective theft prevention.
Broader Implications
The findings suggest that economic pressures are influencing consumer behavior, with higher‑income households also engaging in theft at a significant rate. This counters the stereotype that shoplifting is limited to low‑income individuals.
Retail Response
While the article does not detail specific retailer actions, the data imply that stores may need to reassess their self‑checkout strategies, possibly incorporating more surveillance or staff presence to deter theft.
Key Takeaways
- 27% of U.S. adults admitted to taking items at self‑checkouts, up from 15% in 2023.
- Millennials (41%) and Gen Z (37%) are the most likely to steal, while Baby Boomers are at 2%.
- Necessity, not greed, is cited as the main motivation, with affordability and tariff‑driven price hikes cited by nearly half of respondents.
The LendingTree survey paints a stark picture of how self‑checkout convenience may be contributing to a growing trend of shoplifting, driven largely by economic hardship rather than opportunistic theft.
