4 suspicious behaviors to avoid at the self-checkout line

Self-checkout stations are convenient and often less stressful than waiting for a clerk. Is it worth the risk of being taken aside and questioned? We have an easy way to make your dollar stretch on groceries. But today, we’re here to talk about self-checkout safety precautions you should be utilizing.

Below are mistakes you might already make at the self-checkout in any of your favorite stores.

1. Scanning things too quickly

Yes, you’re in a hurry. Why else would you be checking out on your own? Going too quickly, however, might get you stopped while checking out or walking back to your car.

Legal professionals urge innocent patrons to take as much time as possible during self-checkout to avoid raising suspicion. This good habit can also help you prevent accidentally skipping small items and other potentially costly mistakes, such as improperly weighing produce.

2. Using your cell phone at the kiosk

There are so many distractions in any store. Your kids, other people and your smartphone are all vying for attention as you try to leave.

Chatting or texting while checking out is dangerous for the reasons described above. Small mistakes may lead to more considerable misunderstandings, so it pays to keep yourself focused and on-task.

3. Covering the camera

Most places like Walmart have a small camera trained on shoppers using self-checkout. Bags, bulky clothing and the stuff you’re buying might not always obscure its view, but it’s something to watch out for.

A clean, clear video of you checking out is the ultimate defense against allegations that may or may not arise later. Why block your ticket to vindication?

4. Buying too many things at once

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Millions of pounds of canned meat may be contaminated - Check your cabinets

Canned goods have a much longer shelf life than fresh meat and produce. But if something goes wrong with packaging, it could put your health at risk. That’s precisely what happened recently with over 2.5 million cans of meat and poultry products. A packaging defect could lead to contaminated contents.

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How to save money on groceries

I know, food prices are insane. Cliff Smith found a great way to save — and has eaten a lot of great meals in his quest.

Deals without tracking: Download your grocery store’s app for the best possible prices. No one says you have to use your real email address and phone number if you’re not into the data collection. Make a burner account!

Paying more for your groceries based on your income

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Kroger might charge you more if you seem wealthy! They’re testing AI to hike prices for shoppers with expensive tastes.

Use Amazon to buy groceries? Get ready to pay more

For many, the COVID pandemic made having groceries delivered common. What could be better than having everything you need to be dropped off at your door?

Amazon Fresh was admittedly ahead of its time in this regard. It’s been around since 2007, and everyone who has used it loves it. Sadly, you might need to pay more to have your groceries delivered in the future.

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True or false: It's illegal to talk to your phone's smart assistant while driving

Smart assistants can be used with smartphones, tablets, computers and smart devices to make life easier. You can turn the lights on, set a reminder to get the groceries, recommend a restaurant, play your favorite music and set the mood to watch a movie. The possibilities are truly endless.

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🏪 Groceries are so expensive: Flipp compares prices so you don’t have to. Type in what you’re looking for and your address, city or ZIP code to find sales near you. At least eggs aren’t $8 a dozen anymore.

Orwellian and creepy - Chinese facial recognition systems in stores

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Are stores watching you while you shop for groceries? In one minute, I share how they’re cracking down on crime by tracking your face.

Why your groceries will be more expensive in 2022

Supply chain disruptions have not only been causing product shortages, they’re also responsible for price hikes across several industries. For one, the global semiconductor chip shortage is affecting the prices and availability of electronics and tech products such as gaming consoles, computers and even cars.

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10 apps that earn you money for doing almost nothing

Rewards programs are plenty these days, with incentives that run the gamut from traditional free airline miles to the unique offering of a drone — complete with pilot lessons. What consumer doesn’t like a bonus for their effort? Unfortunately, while some programs are amazing, the majority fall flat.

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Instacart vs. the grocery store: Surprising reason one is much better for your family's safety

Online shopping has seen a dramatic rise during the pandemic. People took to the internet to get what they need, especially when brick and mortar shops were closed and essentials were harder to come by.

Buying groceries online has never been easier, as you have many choices of vendors and a seemingly limitless selection of food. Tap or click here for help on narrowing down your choices and how to safely handle food deliveries.

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Walmart takes another swipe at Amazon Prime with no minimum 2-hour delivery

America’s biggest retailers are changing at a breakneck pace. Fueled partially by the industrial shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies like Amazon, Target and Walmart have managed to weather the economic fallout thanks to increased online shopping options and in-store regulations.

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10 ways to make extra money online

The gig economy is unstoppable. Pandemics? Social distancing? Staying home? No matter what life throws their way, hustlers will always adapt.

These days you can sell anything online. Say you’ve got some great photos on your phone camera — you can sell them online. If you’re a talented musician, dancer or voice actor, you can sell those skills online.

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Your Amazon orders could soon arrive faster than a quick run to the store - here's why

Do you have same-day deliveries in your area? The concept has been a holy grail for many a shipping service — and nowadays, companies like Amazon and Walmart have gotten closer than anyone to make it work for large swathes of the nation.

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Did you order groceries online? Your info could be for sale on the Dark Web

Stepping into a brick-and-mortar store feels a lot scarier today than it did a few months ago. Any time you leave the confines of home, you’re running the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus, which is still circulating widely throughout the U.S.

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Grocery prices hit 50-year high - here's what's more expensive

Another 3 million Americans filed for unemployment this week, bringing the number of total filings to nearly 36.5 million since mid-March. Needless to say, a lot of people are struggling.

If you know someone who has lost their job, they may be able to find work as a contact tracer. Tap or click here to find job openings in your area. This position pays pretty well, too.

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How to clean clothes, gloves and coronavirus masks (Hint: Avoid the microwave)

One thing has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic: People are desperately searching for information. Whether it’s about symptoms, where to buy essentials or how to protect oneself from contracting the virus, knowledge is in high demand.

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Check your possible coronavirus symptoms using the CDC's new AI-powered bot

The number of people infected with the coronavirus is growing every day. We all need to play a role in flattening the curve. Start by practicing social distancing and regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

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