Franklin
Recycles dryer sheets
Last week I needed to take some photos over to our local Walgreens for processing. I dutifully filled out the form showing my name, address, phone number etc. Once they were ready I visited the store and to get the pictures and some frames (this was for my new grandchild which DW and I had only a few all framed up). While I was there I picked up a few toiletries and went to visit the cashier. I used a Visa card and followed the instructions of the cashier. She assisted in inserting the card and I received a Walgreens discount. The cashier loaded my purchases in 2 bags and said we were good to go. Now is where it gets strange. A few hours later our local Police texted my wife indicating her husband (me ) left without paying and they needed to speak with me. I contacted the officer who admitted this was strange but the cashier realized later the charge apparently did not go thru and therefore filed a theft charge with the Police. The police indicated the cashier said my card was denied (did not happen) and I went to my car to get a replacement and never returned. I immediately contacted Visa and they confirmed the card was fine and no connection was made by Walgreens. Visa indicated this happens routinely when the card reader is faulty. I called the store and offered a new card to run that day but they don't take CC numbers over the phone. So, I made an appointment the next day to come in and use the exact same card. I did just that and the card worked fine. Walgreens was paid and the manager indicated it was good that they didn't press charges. But, now I have a police incident report with my name on it! Walgreens apologized and offered me a $10 gift card......I was stunned to say the least.
Now I called the Police sergeant who read the police report to me. The cashier said she had assumed I skipped, she described me as an older white male who looked and acted suspicious. I had on shorts a t shirt and flip flops. Now I am a 67 year old grandad and she said my ID indicated I was 35 and they assumed I had a fake ID. My DL clearly shows me as a 67 year old male. I do have a son who has my name (Jr.) and he lives 4 hours away. Could the store somehow confuse this?
So, I asked the police to review the store footage and their body cam. Upon reviewing this it became clear the cashiers fabricated the police report. The Police sergeant confided in me that this was an extreme overreaction by Walgreens and they dismissed the matter. The cashiers story did not add up and I am still waiting for a written apology from the store.
Being curious I googled articles about Walgreens and read that the company is having an inventory shrinkage issue and has told employees to be more aggressive and lean on the police. The CEO was replaced a month ago and a new one is in place. I don't think this type of customer harassment was what they had in mind.
To conclude this whole thing was unnerving to a person who has never even received a parking ticket. The store video showed me putting my card in the machine while holding my wallet. For whatever reason it never connected to Visa and the clerk never made any effort to inform me.
Now my political statement.....with all the snatch n grabs, shootings etc in the country why are our police required to spend time on something like this. Maybe I was profiled and falsely accused? I don't want anything from Walgreens other than a written apology. And yes I have advised them that they may have a dishonest employee.
Now I stop immediately upon using my CC and make sure we have a receipt.
What would you do is this situation?
