Safety and Security Tips

 BEWARE OF SELF CHECKOUT SCAM!

A friend was shopping at Walmart at 2978 and Woodlands Parkway this morning. She checked out at the self check out and realized her items came up to more than they should be. She went ahead and paid but checked her receipt before leaving and noticed there was an even $20 unknown charge plus a $4.94 charge for a “visa.” She went to customer service and they told her that it is a new scam happening. People are getting prepaid cards, scanning them and then putting in an amount that they want “to add” to it. They don’t complete the transaction and walk off with the card leaving the transaction open until someone comes up and starts scanning their items without realizing there was an open transaction. The person pays and then the money is loaded onto the card that they have. Luckily they watched the cameras and caught the guy because he was still hanging around in the store, I guess waiting for the money to load so he could shop 🤦🏻‍♀️ Please be aware at any store that you use self checkout at! Double check the screen before you start scanning! Adding 3 tips - 1) Always hit “Cancel” twice after you are finished with your Transaction, whether at a checkout or the gas pump. 2) Ladies - PLEASE “Seatbelt” your purses in the shopping carts & make sure they’re closed. Better yet, don't bring it in with you. Just lock it up in your trunk. All it takes is a minute for someone to walk by your cart & snatch your purse, billfold or phone. 3) Lock you car door as soon as you get in the vehicle and don't place your purse on the passenger's seat. They open your door and steal it before you even know what's happening.

- Mary Therese Smith, Nextdoor