A supermarket can seem like a manic place – especially during evenings and weekends when more people are free to shop. In the busy setting, it can be easy for mistakes to be made and sometimes go unnoticed.
A shopper, who was racked with guilt, took to Martin Lewis’ MSE forum after finding themselves in such a moral dilemma. Posting on the website’s forums, they said: “I did my big shop at a major supermarket and paid with a credit card as normal yet when my card statement arrived, I hadn’t been charged.
“Do I go back and offer to pay so the supermarket doesn’t lose out? I’d feel a bit silly as it’s been weeks and I don’t have a receipt, so I don’t know exactly what I bought or how much it cost.
“Given such a big firm’s unlikely to be affected by a one-off loss. I could say nothing and carry on shopping there, but would that make me no better than a thief?”
People were quick to chime in with their take on the situation and what they would do if they were in that position. It is fair to say the comments were divided.
One said: “No, you paid. The fault is either with the credit card company or some sort of processing error at the supermarket.”
Another confessed: “Wow, you lot are a lot more moral than me! I would have been like ‘Oh sweet, a freebie'”.
A fellow supermarket shopper gave their own story in the comments section that was very similar and explained how the issue resolved. The person wrote: “I wanted to cancel one of my credit cards but was aware that there was a missing charge for my weekly supermarket shop.
“It turned up, six months later. As long as you put aside a ‘likely’ amount, you should be OK but don’t assume it will just disappear into the mist!”
The experience doesn’t seem unique, with another shopper sharing: “I did that once. I spent about 20 mins with the assistant manager and a trolley trying to recreate my shopping. It was acutely embarrassing and I got a firm impression that the assistant manager had better things to do. It was an hour of my life I’ll never see again.
“No-one loves a pedant. I wouldn’t do it again. I’d rather donate the cash where it serves a useful purpose.”
Another gave a suggestion to ease their conscience if the shop never notice, writing: “They still have time to charge you, so personally I’d leave it. You paid so you are not a thief. Donate to the Trussell trust if it doesn’t appear on your card in a couple of months?”
One other forum member suggested: “Check all your bank cards, you may have inadvertently used a different card. Second, if you shopped at Tesco, they’ll be able to trace your purchases through your Clubcard.
“Other supermarkets may be able to do the same. Thirdly, if its bothering your conscience, speak to customer services. If they can’t find it, at least you will know you have tried all avenues.”
