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🛍️ The New “Breakage”: Digital Shoplifting?

Putting disposable razors and common household items behind cages in pharmacies is all the rage in hand-wringing headlines in the last several years.

In some cases, criminal rings have taken advantage of laws designed not to pursue or prosecute petty theft at in-person retail stores.

But there’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to retail breakage: “digital shoplifting.” And data suggests it could become a bigger and bigger issue.

The practice typically involves claiming the package was stolen or never delivered. Or sometimes it involves disputing a charge with your credit card company.

To this point, consequences are low for the digital equivalent of shoplifting. If you dispute a legitimate credit card charge, perhaps the biggest consequence is that merchant convinces your credit card company the charges are real.

By generation, here’s how many people making more than $100,000 per year have engaged in digital retail fraud:

Gen Z – 55%
Millennials – 49%
Gen X – 29%
Boomers – 3%

Did you know that 55% of Gen Z admit to perpetrating this behavior at least once?

Clark often tells stories of noticing retail errors in his favor and pointing them out to the cashier or place of business. So one can only surmise his point of view on this practice.

But retailers may have to worry more about digital theft than physical theft – if not now, then in the future.

💸 Today’s Top Savings Rates

Check out our updated list of Clark.com-approved high-yield savings accounts with the highest rates. Here are the top five APYs on our list as of January 29, 2025.

See All Rates | High Yield Savings Accounts Calculator

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🎙️ Podcast

Is it ever too late to start saving for retirement? Fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss has an answer, backed by years of research. Also, a major Social Security change in 2025 is set to positively impact nearly three million people. Wes explains everything you need to know, including who will see an increase in their checks.

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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