More Americans say they shoplifted as inflation squeezes budgets

Three in 10 Americans told LendingTree they have shoplifted this year, a jump from 24% in 2024, according to new research from the financial site.

The survey, conducted among 2,000 people in early June, found that about 90% of respondents who acknowledged shoplifting cited affordability worries and the broader economy as factors behind the thefts.

CBS News reported that inflation has accelerated this year, largely because the Iran war has pushed oil and gasoline prices sharply higher. LendingTree said people who reported stealing were often taking basic goods rather than luxury or impulse items.

Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, said in a statement that the findings show inflation and financial stress are still weighing on households. He said people risking shoplifting consequences for basics such as food and personal hygiene products signals that many families are struggling to make ends meet.

Food tops the list

Everyday essentials were the most commonly stolen items, LendingTree found. Food and nonalcoholic drinks ranked first among goods people said they had taken.

Clothing came next, followed by personal hygiene products. Respondents also reported stealing toys, technology and electronics, and school supplies, according to the study.

The pattern in the survey points to a strain on household budgets, as reported by LendingTree, with necessities appearing ahead of more discretionary purchases in the responses.

Big chains named more often

Respondents who admitted shoplifting said they were slightly more likely to steal from major retailers than from independent stores.

Schulz said chain stores may draw more theft because they are more accessible, provide more anonymity and bring in more shoppers. He also pointed to heavy foot traffic, large layouts, self-checkout lanes and broad selections of everyday essentials as reasons people may feel able to blend in at big retailers.

When LendingTree asked which retailers were easiest to steal from, Walmart was named most often, with 47% of respondents choosing it. Family Dollar ranked second, followed by Amazon Fresh and Kroger, according to the survey.

The legal and financial risk

LendingTree also warned that shoplifting can carry serious consequences.

Schulz said in a statement that shoplifting may seem like an answer to an immediate cash crunch, but being caught can create a larger financial problem. He cited possible fines and legal fees, along with longer-term effects such as difficulty getting a job or renting an apartment.

The findings are based on self-reported responses, meaning they measure what survey participants said about their own behavior rather than confirmed incidents reported by stores or police.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.