Barcoding... The Least risky way to shop lift

[XxNeXuSxX]

Barcoding is another form of shoplifting where you pay way less than what the item is actually worth.

Barcoding can be done in a couple ways. All of them involve getting a simliar item and switching their barcodes(EX: Switch Ipod Shuffle for 80gig Ipod, will how up as "Ipod"), so when it is scanned, it scans the cheaper price, while deactivating any security devices.


This is hypothetically what I would do, First BUY sticky labels, and while your in the store, record barcode numbers that you are interested in switching with a similar item. Go to an online UPC barcode generator and print them out on the labels.

Now that you have your barcodes, get a partner, ONE OF YOU go into the store, slap the barcode on their barcode and leave the store. The next day, have the other person go in, and buy it with a few other products. Look for the type of cashier that would no nothing about it, and leave. If you are caught they cannot get you in trouble because neither of you did anything criminal.

Comments and suggestions Welcomed!

[Stone]

Switching a barcode is technically frauding the shop so it is illegal. Don't think that you can walk into a shop and if caught, get away freely. Best bet is to have a cashier in on the scam, then it is very easy to get away with.

[XxNeXuSxX]

Okay, but if your doing it with 2 people, and the first person just slaps the code on and leaves, I don't think he's frauded anything yet.

And the barcodes I make for educational purposes only, look pretty convincing, I'll post a pic later.

[Scamula]

All I can say is be careful. If this you try this shit at some stores, they'll come down harder on you than if you had simply stolen the merchandise. Target is one of these such stores. If you do this in Target and when you get to the register, the cashier's phone starts ringing....you're screwed. You better drop it and haul ass because they are onto you and will get you in the foyer between the double doors.

[XxNeXuSxX]

^ Alright, but if you go to the "stereo typical cashier" and a really similar product, it should work like a breeze at walmart I think.

Thanks for input

[danlarge]

any 1 no how i can do this in the uk

[Stone]

I don't see how doing it in the UK would be different to doing it in any other country.

By the way, this is Rorta. We have to abide by COPPA regulations and judging by this post and your 'gangs uk' thread I would think that you are under 13. If so, please let me know so I can ban you. Have a nice day :veryhappy

[Jarmungand]

asdf

[danlarge]

i left my comp on and sum1 wrote that gang thing i wrote the barcode 1 on the milk website it seems to be only products frm the usa

[AionSan]

Switching a barcode is technically frauding the shop so it is illegal. Don't think that you can walk into a shop and if caught, get away freely. Best bet is to have a cashier in on the scam, then it is very easy to get away with.

Note: Only if you buy the item.

You cannot be arrested/detained for changing a barcode.

[Stone]

Well, it's a grey area. If you switch a barcode and don't buy the item but somebody else does the shop is losing money through your actions which have no other purpose than being deceitful.

[SayItAintSo014]

Shit, might as well steal it.

[DeuceOmen]

If you had time to change the barcode and not be seen, you might as well have just stolen it, that way you pay no money.

[Stone]

it scans the cheaper price, while deactivating any security devices.
^^^

[HighJynx]

Hi. I'm new to the board.

Anyway, SWIM is trying to figure out a good way to steal electronics. SWIM thinks it would be relatively easy to steal dvd's and maybe video games at a store that has self-checkout. SWIM could swipe the dvd, etc, on that thing that keeps the item from setting off the alarm at the door. SWIM just doesn't know of a good way to get the item in the bag after they pretend to ring it up. Obviously, you would have to buy something to get away with this. The problem is that the self-checkout's weigh the item when you put it in the bag. So if you don't actually scan the item and then you throw it in the bag, the computer loudly informs you there is a problem and a cashier might come over. Anyone have any ideas for this? Also, would this work the same with a dvd player as it would for a dvd? Thanks for any help.

[DIzzIE]

Hey HighJunx, welcome to the board :),

A typical self-checkout setup will include, say, four checkout stations, each of which is monitored by a dedicated CCTV camera. The feeds all lead to the clerk's station at the front of the self-checkout area. What's salient about this setup is that there is usually only one clerk supervising more than one checkout station. Thus, if one or more customers start getting problems with their checkout process (for instance, a scratched up barcode not being picked up by the scanner), they can then call over the clerk to help them out. There is then no one monitoring the other checkout areas, leaving one free to reappropriate some surplus commodities with relative ease, while one's partner(s) occupy the clerk's time... ;)

Though, as you posted this question in the barcode thread, recall that the underlying principle of barcoding is to obtain a substantial discount by using the barcode of a cheaper model, not to get something for free. With regard to DVDs, one could then use the barcode from one of the discs in the discount rack... Same thing applies to the actual DVD player: it's simply a matter of replicating the barcode for a lower-end model and sticking it over the existing barcode on one's more expensive choice. You can read a barcoding guide we have available here (http://www.rorta.net/index.php?page=barcodeguide) for more clarification.

And just a general note on shoplifting which should be obvious, but unfortunately isn't due to an all too prevalent obedience to alleged authority: too many folks seem deterred from shoplifting by the prospect of 'getting caught.' So do keep in mind that if some LP goon starts giving you static, you do not have to stand there and take it, head bowed and pants lowered (read: wear running shoes). This will obviously burn the location, and is thus a last resort, but it should keep one from being too preoccupied with worrying about getting into legal trouble.

Hope this helps! :)

[DoctaD]

So do keep in mind that if some LP goon starts giving you static, you do not have to stand there and take it, head bowed and pants lowered (read: wear running shoes).

I work in a supermarket... we physically detain shoplifters until the authorities arrive. If we simply suspect someone of shoplifting, without suficient evidence, and they run for it, we chase them down and drag them back into the security office until we can either find evidence or call authorities which will do so.

Now, I don't know the specific legalities surrounding this. I am friendly with numerous security guards and have had to help them with shoplifters in the past, some of which have used excessive force against shoplifters without any mention of any kind of prosecution. The local authorities may give a wide berth to security, as their job is similar to those of said authorities... preventing crime.

On one occasion, I have seen a shoplifter being taken into custody with very clear physical injuries caused by the security on that day. The cops were fully aware of how said injuries were caused, and not as much as a complaint was forwarded to the attacker.

Of course, this is Northern Ireland and the laws could be a lot different than other parts of the world. However, it is seldom I hear of cops giving someone a chance, wheras I have heard of certain states in America where cops will pass a blind eye, to a certain extent, to lesser charges... carrying small amounts of drugs, for example.

[Armalite]

A lot of cops will only try to pursue charges that they reasonably think they can get something out of. Small offences generate just as much work, and may not come to anything. Even if you get hassled and get a ticket, you may show up in court to find the court clerks never got any paperwork on the offense, and as such it does not officially exist.

[Stone]

In the ROI it's dodgy to confront a suspected shoplifter. Security will not do anything unless they are 100% sure that you took something and have actually walked through the door before they apprehend you. That means that if they lose sight of you for a couple of minutes they after they've seen you pocket the item (but sometimes you will be monitored by CCTV constantly after you pocket it) they will not approach you because you could have put it back. If they apprehend you and you are innocent then you can actually sue the shop so they are very cautious about it. They would rather lose something worth a few quid than get sued for thousands.

[HighJynx]

[QUOTE=DIzzIE]Hey HighJunx, welcome to the board :),

" Thus, if one or more customers start getting problems with their checkout process (for instance, a scratched up barcode not being picked up by the scanner), they can then call over the clerk to help them out. There is then no one monitoring the other checkout areas, leaving one free to reappropriate some surplus commodities with relative ease, while one's partner(s) occupy the clerk's time... ;)"



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Dizzie,

Swim never thought to do this in pairs. That's a brilliant idea. As far as barcoding goes, how can you tell what format the barcode is in, if someone intends to make barcodes at home?

Thanks for your help!

[wargasm]

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "what format". From reading the barcoding guide on RORTA, I was given the impression that if someone was to barcode all that they would need to do would be:
Find the item you want to purchase.
Find a similair item to that, but that is at a much cheaper price.
Jot down the barcode from that item.
Go home, load up the printer with sticky labels.
Using a barcode generator (link posted on main guide) input those numbers on the barcode and print it out.

If I was to barcode, that would be how I would do it. I assume it would work perfectly, however is not fullproof. So, when possible (90% of the time) I would utilise other methods of shoplifting.

-wargasm-

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"I Would Rather Be Hated For What I am, Than Loved For What I Am Not"

[spidey6774]

SWIMS FAVORITE WAY IS TO PAY FULL PRICE FOR AN ITEM. THEN RETURN A SIMILAR ITEM W/ THE UPC FROM THE ONE YOU PAID FULL PRICE FOR. IMPORTANT USE CASH ONLY

[Esophagus]

If we simply suspect someone of shoplifting, without suficient evidence, and they run for it, we chase them down and drag them back into the security office until we can either find evidence or call authorities which will do so.
Where do you work? Smaller supermarket? Every chain store I can think of offhand has some sort of no chase policy, saying that "your lives are worth more than stolen product". Im sure really it just looks bad when you tackle a guy who didnt steal anything, or get sued for unnecessary force. But yeah, when you get CAUGHT you will be detained, and they may chase you for that. Some not others. I know Chapters will just let you walk out.

Oh yeah,
Go away DanLarge.

[Seol]

Where do you work? Smaller supermarket?

He works in a big chain one :)

Anyways, yes this does work in the UK - I haven't done this, but I've had to replicate bar codes before using some software.

One easy way to do this is to just record the number and buy some vinyl pages for your printer - print the bar code out, cut the vinyl paper into a nice square and stick it onto the product.

It will work perfectly and will look legit - scanners will also be able to read them.

Barcodes actual bars are determined by the code so make sure you get this correct or you're screwed as when they scan it, it'll show up as nothing registered to that code.

[blacjet]

SWIMS FAVORITE WAY IS TO PAY FULL PRICE FOR AN ITEM. THEN RETURN A SIMILAR ITEM W/ THE UPC FROM THE ONE YOU PAID FULL PRICE FOR. IMPORTANT USE CASH ONLY

You learn something new every day!
I'm going to try this, trust.

[Th0r]

There only gonna be two ways you get caught. Either by an inteligent cashier or by security guards who catch you sticking the barcode on...

[kino]

I work in a supermarket... we physically detain shoplifters until the authorities arrive. If we simply suspect someone of shoplifting, without suficient evidence, and they run for it, we chase them down and drag them back into the security office until we can either find evidence or call authorities which will do so.

Now, I don't know the specific legalities surrounding this. I am friendly with numerous security guards and have had to help them with shoplifters in the past, some of which have used excessive force against shoplifters without any mention of any kind of prosecution. The local authorities may give a wide berth to security, as their job is similar to those of said authorities... preventing crime.

On one occasion, I have seen a shoplifter being taken into custody with very clear physical injuries caused by the security on that day. The cops were fully aware of how said injuries were caused, and not as much as a complaint was forwarded to the attacker.

Of course, this is Northern Ireland and the laws could be a lot different than other parts of the world. However, it is seldom I hear of cops giving someone a chance, wheras I have heard of certain states in America where cops will pass a blind eye, to a certain extent, to lesser charges... carrying small amounts of drugs, for example.

In America alleged shop lifters cannot be held against their will with out clear evidence. If they are not prosecuted or even found not guilty they can sue the shop for kidnapping (which I guess technically it is). I wouldn't bank on making anything from this because it's rare. If anyone touches you on your way out the door with out CLEAR evidence that you were involved in some shenanigans then they will definitely be prosecuted and probably fired. However, if you're guilty you'll be prosecuted too.

I could be wrong I'm just a college student who has taken a bunch of law classes.

[tennistary]

yeah, you're right.

"Detaining Shoplifting Suspects

Definition: As used [herein], the term ?security person(s)? is intended to include only store proprietors and managers, store plainclothes security agents sometimes called ?detectives,? and uniformed security officers also called security guards (either proprietary or contract). The term does not include sales clerks, maintenance persons, or stockers, for examples. The term ?security person(s)? is not intended to apply to off-duty public law enforcement or special police personnel unless they have been instructed by store management to follow the same procedures required of ordinary citizens, which procedures do not include police powers of arrest.

In almost all jurisdictions in the United States, merchants are legally empowered to detain shoplifting suspects for investigation and possible arrest and prosecution in the criminal justice system. This power is called ?merchant?s privilege.?

* The merchant?s privilege provides for detention of persons suspected of shoplifting only when probable cause or reasonable cause exists to believe a person has committed theft. The best practice for establishing this probable cause (as compared to any legal standard) is the security person?s having met all the following six steps: (1) observe the customer approach the merchandise, (2) observe the customer select the merchandise, (3) observe the customer conceal (or otherwise carry away) the merchandise, (4) keep the customer under constant and uninterrupted observation, (5) see the customer fail to pay for the merchandise, and (6) detain the customer outside the store.
* The merchant?s privilege permits detention for limited purposes which vary by state. Common among these limited purposes are: (1) ascertaining that stolen merchandise is possessed by the suspect, (2) identifying the suspect, (3) investigating the alleged theft, (4) recovering stolen merchandise, and (5) notifying the police of the offense. Some states permit limited searches of the suspect, some states limit the extent to which identity may be established; and the use of force which can legally be used is, if mentioned, always non-deadly. Many company or store policies further restrict permissible actions in dealing with shoplifting suspects; e.g., prohibiting pursuing suspects beyond company property.

In some circumstances shoplifting suspects are treated incorrectly by store management and security persons. Such treatment may cause results varying from simple mistakes to the violation of civil rights of suspects. If a best practice is not used, it is better not to detain a suspect than to risk the high cost of a civil liability suit. Two kinds of questionable detentions will illustrate this point. One kind applies to the customer who is truly an innocent party but whose conduct, for any number of reasons, led the security person to believe that a theft had occurred. People in this kind of detention are innocent victims of circumstance. The other kind applies to the customer who is not truly an innocent party, but for any number of reasons is not in possession of stolen merchandise when stopped by a security person.

Security persons usually do not actually ?arrest? shoplifters, but simply detain them for police authorities. Exceptions arise to this practice in those states where private persons? arrest powers exist concurrent with but separate from the ?privilege? statutes discussed above. In these exceptional cases, security persons arrest after proof of the offense of theft.

Security persons cannot look into the minds of suspects. Security persons can only observe actions of suspects and completely and accurately report such actions. It is up to a judge or trier of fact to determine intent to deprive a merchant permanently of a taken item ?. Step number 6 [detaining the customer outside the store] exists to help the judge or trier of fact determine the intent of the customer because the cash registers inside a store are normally the last place a person would have to pay for an item before departing a store. Reports by security persons are normally detailed enough to include other observations which would tend to establish intent."

I guess it depends on your state. Do the research before engaging in any type of activity. It'll help, believe me.