It seems like more and more stores have policies to search bags or do receipt validation as customers exit. I personally hate this tactic and will rarely shop at a store that I know employs it. Anyone out there feel the same? More to the point, has anyone here ever refused the request directly (or, more indirectly, simply continued walking out of the store when asked to stop)?

My experiences have been mixed. Usually, I can leave without issue. I have, however, also been the subject of threatening conduct that likely crossed the line into false imprisonment.

Post thoughts if you have them.

Remember just because a retailer posts their policies that rarely reflects their actual legal rights to enforce them. Basically even if posted otherwise and even if probable cause exists no retailer, third-party private citizen, or even private security company working on a retailer's behalf can legally detain you and search your person or bags. Unwanted and unlawful detention and/or search of your body even if no actual bodily harm is inflicted can be is considered assault in must jurisdictions. About the only legal right a retailer has is to refuse your business and/or tell you to stay off their property. If a store believes you are in unlawful possession of their merchandise they can provide proof to law enforcement who can then act accordingly.

where i live, there is no law that says you have to let them search unless they suspect you of shoplifting. i've questioned Target security guards a couple of times, and have not been stopped this year.

however, at membership places like Costco, its a condition of membership that you allow them to search. you can refuse and they'd cancel your membership.

I never stop at any store to show my receipt (other than at Costco) and I have only had a problem once. I was shopping with a friend and my friend went nuts when I tried to leave the store without showing my receipt.

In some states, stores can detain people who they reasonably believe are shoplifters.

ThursdaysChild said:There is/was another thread on this topic. I searched for it so I could link it but ran out of patience trying to find it with the new search feature. Anyone else? I think it was in Finance (or maybe OT).It comes up pretty often. Here's but one.

I typically simply say "No, Thanks" and keep walking...or I just ignore them and walk

no state allows for searching bags and checking receipts UNLESS there's a reasonable suspicion that you're shoplifting...and since they don't have that for everyone that exits their store...no state specifically permits it

as stated before, Costco, etc can do it because you're paying to shop there...

as far as keeping more people employed...all that does is raise the prices...it doesn't help the customer at all

At WallyMart and Tarzhay I simply hold my receipt in one hand and the bag(s) in the other -- I've never had them come over and check that the goods match the receipt. If there is a store employee near the exit door who looks like s/he might be checking, I simply smile at them as I walk by.

Fry's is my absolute favorite. One time the lady chased me outside and said 'Sir I have to check your receipt!' I said, no you don't and continued to walk away.