Beware…Wal-mart has a No Tolerance Policy when it comes to Shoplifting or Human Error.

A few weeks ago a family member failed to put a small bottle of laxative/fiber pills (cost under $5.00) on the belt for the cashier to scan along with the other grocery items. Walmart’s well trained security guards knew exactly what to do in this type of circumstance. They saw it happen…they lurked and waited as they must not approach the customer until he leaves store…they move in for the kill …Another one under their belt…they caught a shoplifter.

From that point on it is a no mercy policy.

If you are a Walmart shopper…pay attention to what you do in their store and to what you don’t do!

Walmart is a well oiled giant with its own giant legal department. Any type of human error as described above will be treated as Shoplifing…you will be arrested…you will go to criminal court.

In court you will receive two options…hire a lawyer to defend yourself or plead guilty, pay the $400 penalty and agree to house arrest and after all this…a shoplifting charge won’t go on your record. Option #1 seems unaffordable and so usually they get the $400…they did from us.

Oh Wait…the saga continues. A week or so later, the letter arrives. A Civil Penalty Demand Letter from the super giant.

What? $400 is not enough?

They want an additional $200 mailed to them so that they now won’t prosecute you in Civil Court also…and believe me…the letter is intimidating. The Giant threatens a lawsuit that will include Wal-mart’s attorney fees and court costs. Once again…seems like an unaffordable risk. Think of the typical Wal-mart customer…they know this. And on the telephone with their legal department you will be reassured you cannot make this go away.

In summary, It cost our family $600 for a bottle of laxative/fiber pills that retailed for less that $5.00. The only consolation we have is that is the last penny our family will ever have to spend in Walmart.

BJ in Meridian,
Mississippi