A December 2025 LendingTree survey found 69% of users believe self-checkout makes stealing easier. About 27% admitted to intentionally taking an item without scanning it, while 36% said they had accidentally left with an unscanned product. Of that group, 61% acknowledged they kept the item.
Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, said largely unattended kiosks create opportunities for theft, especially as shoppers face financial pressure. Retail analyst Neil Saunders echoed that concern, noting that both deliberate theft and simple mistakes contribute to losses — and that returning to staffed checkout lanes can help retailers cut costs.
