Watch the Video at the End of This Article: How a Nationwide Scam Targets Shoppers in Grocery Stores
In today’s retail landscape, shoppers often express frustration when they feel overcharged or succumb to impulse purchases, only to experience sticker shock at checkout. In many cases, these experiences are simply a result of high prices or marketing strategies. However, not every instance of feeling “ripped off” can be explained by these factors alone. In some situations, consumers are truly being targeted by scams designed to exploit vulnerabilities during their shopping experience.
Recent investigations have uncovered a scam that is being perpetrated on a national scale, with grocery stores emerging as a primary venue for these fraudulent activities. This scam predominantly targets women, largely due to the fact that women are more likely than men to carry their wallets in their purses. In contrast to men who often keep their wallets securely in their pockets, the location of a woman’s wallet—in her purse—can sometimes make it more accessible to thieves.
The Modus Operandi
When shopping at a grocery store or even large retailers like Target and Walmart, it is common for many women to take advantage of the convenience of shopping carts. Placing a purse in the cart can be a logical choice, especially when the idea of lugging around a heavy bag seems impractical. However, this simple act has unfortunately become a point of exploitation for organized thieves.
Investigative journalists from Inside Edition have shed light on the mechanics of this scam. Their research revealed that the scam works by distracting shoppers—specifically those who leave their purses unattended in shopping carts. In many of the scenarios documented, the perpetrator or group of perpetrators exploits the momentary distraction to snatch the purse from the cart, all while the shopper is otherwise occupied.
The Role of Distraction
Distraction is a key element in many scams, and this particular scheme is no exception. Thieves typically work either alone or in pairs. In cases where they operate in teams, one individual will engage the shopper in conversation or create a diversion, effectively drawing the shopper’s attention away from the purse in the cart. Meanwhile, their accomplice takes advantage of the distraction to quickly remove the purse and make off with its contents.
The simplicity of this tactic belies its effectiveness. A distracted shopper, whose focus is diverted from the safety of their belongings, becomes an easy target. In essence, the scam capitalizes on a momentary lapse in vigilance—a phenomenon that can occur even among the most cautious shoppers.
Inside Edition’s Investigation
To demonstrate the ease with which this scam can be executed, Inside Edition conducted a covert investigation at a local grocery store. The investigative team set out to replicate the conditions under which the scam typically occurs. By working together, they were able to create a diversion and distract shoppers, thereby proving just how easily a purse can be stolen from a shopping cart.
In one of the scenarios captured on camera, a team member engaged a shopper with a friendly conversation or posed as an assistant in need of help, all while their partner quietly removed the purse from the cart. The success of this experiment underscores a troubling reality: even shoppers who believe they are being cautious can fall victim to such schemes if they are not vigilant about where their personal belongings are placed.
