If you steal an item (for example, a shirt) and keep the tag on, can you return it for money?

If you steal an item (for example, a shirt) and keep the tag on, can you return it for money?
THIS IS NOT FOR MY OWN USE! I’m doing a science project on barcode scanners and how they work, I DO NOT STEAL CLOTHES!! Basically, I would like to know if someone steals an item from a store (like american eagle) and then asks to return it at another store (with the tag still on) if they scan the barcode will it show up as stolen or would they get away?

Best answer:

The barcode is simply stores an identifying number for the store’s inventory management system to read.

The barcode is not unique to the that particular piece of inventory but rather that category of item.

For example: All shirts of the same design, color, and size will have the same barcode. However that barcode will not be able to tell the POS (point of sale) system anything about how the item was obtained or if it was ever even sold.

That said. Don’t steal. You will get caught.

Tags: example, item, keep, money, return, shirt, steal

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