Latest news with #AshleyCross
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee woman banned from every Walmart in U.S. in self-checkout scam contributing to national shoplifting crisis
A Tennessee woman has been banned from every Walmart in the U.S. in connection with a self-checkout scam. WREG News 3 Memphis reports that Ashley Cross, 37, was arrested at a Memphis Walmart for attempting to purchase $137.34 worth of goods — including jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles — for $1 each by scanning a barcode meant for a watch battery. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to stay ahead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes Charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000, Cross was to appear in court Feb 19. Meanwhile, the Walmart chain has barred her from all its stores nationwide, issuing this statement: 'We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience. Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.' This incident is an example of an escalating trend of retail theft. In 2023, U.S. retailers reported 93% more shoplifting incidents than in 2019, and 90% more monetary losses as a result of that theft. When it comes to self-checkout theft, more than 20 million Americans have shoplifted in this way and 41% plan to do it again, according to Capital One. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told CNBC that theft is increasing across the Walmart chain, and noted that it could contribute to higher prices or store closures. Read more: Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) To combat self-checkout theft, Walmart has begun using 'invisible barcodes' that scanners can capture on items even if the codes are invisible to the naked eye. As an added protection, staff are checking receipts against items in shoppers' bags. As more shoplifters use fake receipts, Walmart employees are scanning receipts as customers leave the store. This has outraged some. "Instead of having all these people standing at the doors, why don't you have people work at the register that could actually ring up all the items & then you won't have to worry about people not payin" one wrote. "Just shop at Target, they don't treat you like a criminal after being forced to check yourself out," said another. Some stores are making it harder to steal high-value, oft-stolen items by locking them up, but this can backfire as shoppers choose to make purchases elsewhere rather than waiting for an employee to unlock an item. Despite retailers' best efforts, shoplifters continue to find new ways to exploit self-checkout systems, turning theft prevention into a constant game of cat and mouse. As technology evolves and security measures tighten, one thing is clear: Retailers will have to find new ways to stay one step ahead. Jamie Dimon issues a warning about the US stock market — says prices are 'kind of inflated.' Crashproof your portfolio with these 3 rock-solid strategies This self-made $500M real estate mogul reveals his 'essential' US portfolio that he says Amazon 'can't hurt' — here's how everyday investors can copy his secret formula Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Woman Gets Placed on National Walmart Ban List For Doing This Slic but Illegal Trick
There's a saying that there's a smart way to do dumb things. Well, a Black woman from Tennessee came up with quite the clever (yet, very illegal) scheme at the self-checkout station. However, getting caught resulted in a punishment that's on a national scale. Memphis police say 37-year-old Ashley Cross was caught stealing a pair of jeans, a shirt, a pair of boots and a slew of ramen noodle packs from the Walmart of Elvis Presley Boulevard this week. The value of her purchase totaled to $137.34. However, it only came up to a few bucks because police say she did what some shoppers are tempted to do in the self-checkout station - swipe cheaper items for expensive ones, per WREG. Police say she was caught on camera using the barcode for an old $1 watch to scan all of her items. She also wasn't scamming alone. Police say another woman with her attempted to sneak out the store with over $50 worth of merchandise. It may have only been a matter of time that Cross got caught. Police claim she's a repeated shoplifter. However, this instance appeared to be the straw that broke the camel's back. The report says this shoplifting incident caused her to face the ultimate consequence: a nationwide ban from all 4,600 Walmart stores, according to the Authorization of Agency list. 'We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience. Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores,' said the store in a statement via WREG. Her record shows she's been charged for criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000. She's being held in local jail with a bond of $7,500. Cross is due back in court on February 19. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Alleged serial shoplifter banned from every Walmart in the USA
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A serial shoplifter has gotten herself banned from every Walmart in the United States of America due to her history of stealing from the company, Memphis Police say. Ashley Cross, 37, is charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000. She is being held in jail on a $7,500 bond. Officers say they responded to Walmart in Whitehaven on 5255 Elvis Presley Boulevard around 3:40 p.m. regarding a shoplifter/misdemeanor call. Two women were accused of stealing from the store. One of the ladies was identified as Ashley Cross, who police say is a well-known shoplifter. Police say Cross was captured on camera using an old watch barcode battery to scan all her items for $1 while using the self-checkout machine. According to reports, Cross stole 11 packs of Ramen Noodles, women's boots, blue jeans, and a t-shirt from Walmart, totaling $137.34. Cross is on the Authorization of Agency list meaning she is not allowed into any Walmart location in the United States due to her previous shoplifting encounters. Frayser property owner may have to foot bill for squatters Police say the other suspect was also caught on camera using the same watch barcode to scan her items for $1. The woman is accused of stealing a backpack, two bras, a lash kit, and a car accessory, totaling $57.86. She received a misdemeanor citation for theft of property. Ashley Cross was committed in jail and is due in court on February 19 at 9 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
