The Grocery Checkout Scam: Don’t Get Cornered at the Register

June 12, 2025

Imagine you’re finishing up your weekly grocery run — cart full, list checked off, almost home. But as you head toward the checkout line, a stranger—friendly, maybe a little flustered—approaches with a story:

“I forgot my wallet. I have a sick child. I just need a few things.”

They ask if you can help them pay. You’re a kind person. You say yes.

But then more items get added. And more. Before you know it, you're stuck in a high-pressure situation—being watched by the cashier, surrounded by other customers, and being handed a receipt you didn’t plan to hold.

And here’s the kicker: they don’t even want the food. They want the receipt—so they can return it all for cash or store credit later.

How This Scam Works

The Setup: Scammers target older adults at grocery stores or big-box retailers like Target or Walmart, often when they’re shopping alone.
The Ask: They claim they’ve forgotten their wallet, have a sick child, or just need a “little help” buying a few items.
The Pressure: Once you agree, they load up on more and more items, banking on your discomfort to stop you from saying no.
The Exit Plan: They insist on taking the receipt—saying they need it for “proof” or “return purposes.” But the real goal is to return the groceries for a refund or store credit, scamming you out of hundreds of dollars.

What It Looks Like

You’re at the checkout with your own cart. The scammer merges in beside you and says something like:

“Can you just add these diapers and formula? I’m in a bind.”
You agree.
“Actually, let’s get a few more things—groceries for the week. It would mean so much.”
Now the cart is full.
“Let me grab the receipt from you in case something needs to be returned later.”

And just like that, you're out $200–$300 — and they walk away with the goods and the receipt.

How to Protect Yourself

Set boundaries early. You can be kind and still say, “I’m sorry, I can’t do that today.” (Practice that a few times right now, if you've never said that to a stranger!)
Say no to large or increasing asks. If the favor starts to grow beyond what feels right, pause and step back.
Never hand over your receipt. If someone insists on it, that’s a red flag.
Tell the cashier or store staff. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to speak up — they’re trained to help.
Talk about it. These scams rely on silence and embarrassment. Let your friends and family know this happens.

Final Word

Scammers often play on our empathy—and that’s what makes this con so effective. If you’ve been targeted or know someone who has, you’re not alone. Reporting the incident to store management or local authorities helps protect others, too.