You need to take urgent action if you’re falsely accused of stealing from Walmart or Kroger checkouts, a lawyer advises

A law firm has advised wrongly accused shoppers to take urgent steps when they are falsely accused of stealing from big stores like Walmart, Kroger or Target.

As self-checkout machines become more common, shoppers are bound to make mistakes, according to Steven R. Adams, LLC of the law firm Not Guilty Adams.

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The Ohio-based firm answered the plight of those who don’t want to steal but are accused of theft in a blog post.

“You accidentally don’t scan an item, you think you’ve already scanned the item, or you walk out with that case of soda from under your basket that you forgot,” it said.

“Then suddenly there is a security service behind you who wants to check your receipt.”

A Walmart shopper boycotted the supermarket for years after she claimed she was forced to pay a fine of more than $200 for accidentally stealing an item that cost less than $7.

The law firm advised buyers to avoid the self-checkout area entirely and utilize the available checkout lanes.

Aside from protecting you from mistakes that could potentially come from scanning your own groceries, the company found it to be a great way to support cashier employment.

“One answer is not to use them [self-checkout]’ the company stated.

“Most stores still have a few cashiers who can help you.

“Our suggestion is to use them and apart from that using cashiers is a great way to support their employment, let them do all the work and have fun.

“After all, these stores don’t pay you to request your own items.

However, if you need to use self-checkout and you’re in hot water, the law firm has some advice.

If you’re stopped by the store’s loss-prevention team, it’s likely because you’re caught on camera doing something that seems questionable, the company said.

They will show you into an office and ask you questions, the company explained.

While you may be inclined to plead your case, the firm says not to say anything.

You have the right to remain silent, and in this case the company believes this is the right course of action.

The store will call the police, and depending on the severity of the theft, you’ll most likely receive a subpoena and court date, the company said.

You must then contact a lawyer and, according to the firm, assess which option is best for you.

Most states have a diversion program for first-time offenders, or you can take your case to court, the firm suggested.