Collusion and Sweethearting
Collusion or 'Sweethearting' (I give to my sweetheart) as it is commonly known in retail is the unauthorised giving away of merchandise without charge to a "sweetheart" (friend, family or fellow employee) by the fake scan or ring up of items of merchandise by the cashier.
Methods may include:
- Product substitution (low value for high value - often barcodes for low value items are kept by the till and scanned instead or low value PLUs are used instead)
- Sliding (concealing high value items barcode from the scanner)
Sweethearting is an appropriate title for any type of collusive activity in retail e.g. allowing stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards or vouchers.
Sweethearting always requires collusion with a 'customer' and can be an indication of organised theft on a larger scale