Thursday, July 4, 2013

Self-checkout machines at grocery stores: Don't pay for someone else's groceries



Self-checkout machines at grocery stores have become a favorite among shoppers that hate having to wait in long lines.

However, don't forget to to push the FINISH button when you are done using the self-checkout machine. 

If you do not push the FINISH button, the machine will continue to ring up the groceries and you are paying for them until someone else pushes "Finish."  

Once you swipe your credit card at the self-checkout machine in order to pay for your groceries your credit card number will be valid to use until you do click the FINISH button. If you do not click it, the machine assumes you are continuing shopping and will continue to add up the cost of the groceries of the next person. 

The importance of clicking the Finish button was part of an investigation by San Diego's 10News team which  was alerted by a customer who got his groceries free because it went on someone else's credit card. To read more about their report go to the July 2, 2013, 10News article and video.