I just got home from Walmart (in Alberta, Canada), and realize that I got my groceries for free!

10:00 this morning:

I was at the self checkout, with my ten or so items (grand total of about $25). Hardly anyone there. There was a portable dvd player by the scanner, but it was left by a previous customer, in the bagging area. I was going to tell the employee in charge of the self checkout area, but she was busy talking with a co-worker. So I just left it, and started scanning my items.

I was short by 26 cents, so I called an employee over. She had spare change, but none of it Canadian, so it didn't work.

"Ok then, I'll put back the paper towel. I'm sorry, this is really embarrassing!" - Me
"It's ok *Beep Beep Beep*"- Employee
"Take your money."- Employee
"That's it, I don't have to re-scan everything?"- Me
"Nope, you're good to go."- Employee

Paid in cash.

So I had my bags, my shopping list, the cash. And walked out. Said goodbye to the greeter and everything. Went to another grocery store, and drove home.

It wasn't until I got home that I realized what had happened.

Is this my fault or hers? Will Walmart call the cops? Are there surveillance cameras by the scanners?

Will local police investigate a $24.00 crime?

It was an accident. And now I'm worried about the cops checking this out and knocking on my door! When would Walmart figure out something went wrong? No one stopped me as I walked out the store, will they even know until the end of the day?

I want to do the right thing. I've never had any "police involvement," situations in my life. Please help!

So the employee wound up returning ALL your money and letting you go?

If you are concerned, write out a check and mail it to the manager of the store. Explain that because of the confusion you wound up not paying at all and didn't realize it until you got home.

You could drop off at the front desk, try to explain. If they don't seem understanding or may make a Federal Case out of it.
Drop off in view of a camera, take note of the date and time. This way if their cameras are working effectively. They may see the Mistake?

There is also a saying "No good deed goes unpunished"?
Good Luck, hope you can correct this easily.

Yes she did.

Thank you for the advice! I am considering taking all the merchandise back to Walmart.

Do you think the police would get involved in this?

I think it's quite obvious that it was an accident. I wouldn't tell the employee I was short 26 cents, if I was planning on stealing anything.

I just have these visions of myself on camera, and someone pouring over the footage...

What would you do?

Diid you get a receipt ?

But I would go to the store, ask for the manager, explain it and tell them you are bringing them the money.

Yes it is on tape, and yes the police will get involved if Walmart calls them.

No I did not get a receipt. Just walked right out. I feel awful, but don't know how I would explain this!

I would go to the store, tell them about the mistake (you explained it here, tell them the same thing) and pay for your items.

And, yes, Wal-Mart DOES check its receipts and DOES check the video.

I wouldn't take a chance. In fact, I'm surprised you are asking the question.

Are you concerned about how to explain this or what the Police will do?

I would just mail them a check. While Walmart is hard on shop lifters, this was clearly not the case, because you went through the checkout. So I doubt if they will do anything about it at all.

But to relieve your mind just send them a check.

I don't know if you get or follow the comic strip For Better or Worse, but they just recently replayed a sequence that might interest you. You can find it here:

FBorFW Strip Catalog: Search For Better or For Worse strips by Keyword

Both. Mostly concerned with what the police would do though.

If you pay for the item, Hopefully Walmart will have enough Kooth, take your money and forget about it.
Since I posted earlier, I saw on the "Worlds dumbest Criminals" The Cameras caught a woman stealing a dog, then they caught her when she was bringing it back.
In her case it was intentional.
If this is your first time and truly an accident, I would write a letter/note to the manager, place cash in the envelope, then hand it to him and leave. I don't mean for you to be deceptive, but your life doesn't need to be complicated by an honest mistake?
As far as the Police, It all depends on the Individual Officer. One may think you did the right thing, another may want you to pay for your mistake?
Good Luck

A dog? Really? That seems pretty unethical.

I think I will write the manager, a note and the cash. I could just pretend I never realized, but I feel very guilty. I think that is best, will mail it tomorrow.

Thank you for your advice.

The Lady clearly intentionally stole it. I will see if I can find a video.

Sounds good! Might help me calm down a bit. Do you think the letter and cash approach is a good way to go? I am excessively shy, and know I won't be able to explain myself in person.

No, I think there may not be TIME for you to write the letter and mail it and them to receive it.

Do you want the Police at your door when there's an opportunity to avoid that?

Hi guys,

Just got home from Walmart. I was so stressed out, not knowing what would happen. I went in with $25 cash and a bag with my items. I spoke to the friendliest customer service woman. I explained what had happened this morning.

She explained that there was no way of proving exactly what happened in the machines. She didn't want to double-charge me. But, I insisted she take my phone number, in case anything came up. She thanked me very much for my honesty.

So the groceries are still not paid for. But I feel so much better, knowing that I did the right thing. I can't imagine going to bed tonight and having shoplifted (however unintentional).

If I stole, or got someone fired (especially right before Christmas), I would feel awful.

Time for a nice hot shower! Finally.

@ScottGem- What is the name of the strip, or topic I mean?

The comic strip is called For Better or Worse. Its actually a Canadian strip. Been around for a long time. If you click on the link I posted it will display the series of strips I'm talking about.

I'm glad things worked out for you. I'm a bit surprised that the customer service person wouldn't accept the money, but at least you tried. While they can't tell what happened, they can certainly tell if the machine was short. But you did the right thing and it won't come back to haunt you.

Thanks :) I can sleep easy tonight! I will check out the comic:)

Good too have it behind you, glad it worked out.