LendingTree Survey Finds 30% of Americans Say They Shoplifted in Past Year
Most said they stole food and other essentials as inflation and broader economic stress pushed more consumers to shoplift, LendingTree said.
- On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, LendingTree released a study finding 30% of Americans have shoplifted in the past year, up from 24% in 2024.
- Roughly 90% of those who admitted to shoplifting cited inflation and the broader economy as primary drivers, with participants frequently targeting food and nonalcoholic beverages.
- Gen Z adults reported the highest shoplifting rates at 39%, while 47% of respondents identified Walmart as the easiest retailer to steal from, with grocery stores cited by 39% as the most common location.
- Although 52% of shoplifters reported never being caught, those apprehended faced warnings, arrests, or store bans; Matt Schulz, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst, warned that consequences extend to long-term financial and legal costs.
- These findings highlight how financially vulnerable many consumers feel as inflation continues to impact households, suggesting many are turning to shoplifting for basics rather than for thrills or resale.
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Inflation, economy cited as shoplifting rises, survey says
More Americans admitted to shoplifting in the past year, with most saying they were not caught.According to a new survey by LendingTree, 30% of respondents said they have shoplifted at least once, up from 23% a year ago. The survey found that more respondents who admitted to shoplifting in the past year cited inflation and the struggling economy as reasons.The survey also found that 52% of those who shoplifted said they were not caught. Among th…
When prices rise, does theft follow?
PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- A new LendingTree survey found 30% of Americans say they’ve shoplifted, up from 23% in 2024. Among those who admitted to shoplifting, 90% said inflation or financial hardship played a role, with many saying they stole necessities like food and personal hygiene products rather than luxury items. Stay tuned for my The post When prices rise, does theft follow? appeared first on KESQ.
Three out of 10 Americans admit to shoplifting, 7 points more than in 2024. Inflation and commodity prices are the main engine, according to a LendingTree survey.
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Say They Have Shoplifted This Year as Inflation Strains Budgets, Survey Finds
Respondents reported stealing primarily everyday necessities rather than discretionary items, with food and nonalcoholic beverages among the most commonly stolen goods
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