Just bought a 2m section of flexible tube for a gas stove, and the sales clerk asked first for my phone number, to which I replied “I don’t have one”. Then she asked me for my name, to which I replied “I’ll pay in cash”. She then insisted it was so “the cashier will call you by name”, to which I replied “I’m not giving you my name, I’ll pay in cash”. [Edit: she apparently got a bit upset when I refused to give info, but ended up entering “no name” according to the receipt]

Am I wrong for not wanting to give personal data for an item paid in cash, in person? No other hardware store ever asks me for my personal info.

  • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
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    4 hours ago

    They really can’t stop you.

    If they honestly suspect that you are stealing, and have evidence, (They are recording and watching you at all times) they will take note of what you stole, but they won’t call the cops until they’ve caught you three times, or you’ve taken over $1000 worth of stuff. (Amount may vary by state) That way, they can easily prove that it was no accident, and that you have a pattern of shoplifting. It’s an easier case to win, and you get a third degree felony, instead of a misdemeanor or summary charge.

      • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
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        4 hours ago

        Yes. That definitely is an exception.

        The reason you always have to stop for inspection at those places, is because you legally agreed to it in the terms of membership.

        If you decline, they can revoke your membership.

    • CuddlyCassowary@lemmy.world
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      4 hours ago

      Oooh - now the game has advanced rules! I love it (I mean, I don’t really love anything about it, but am just trynna stay sane and fight the power).

      • Balisada@piefed.social
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        3 hours ago

        I think Target does that also. They simply gather info about a theft until the dollar value is up to a certain amount and then they detain you.

      • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
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        4 hours ago

        As much as I recommend giving the finger to authority, always make sure you aren’t doing something that’s ACTUALLY illegal. If you’re drawing attention to yourself while committing a crime, you’re not accomplishing a damn thing.