Florida Man Accused of Buying Lego Sets for $4 to $5 by Swapping Barcodes at Walmart

A 33-year-old man from Florida has been arrested on suspicion of repeatedly buying expensive Lego sets at a Walmart store for just $4 to $5 by swapping barcodes, causing the retailer losses of more than $1,300. Police in Cape Coral say the scheme went on for months and took place more than 12 times between February and April this year.

According to investigators, the suspect placed barcode stickers from much cheaper products onto high-value Lego boxes before paying at self-checkout. The sets allegedly included popular lines such as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Frozen, with original prices ranging from about $24 to $262.

The case came to light after Walmart noticed unusual gaps in sales records. During searches of the suspect’s home and a storage unit he rented, police said they found multiple Lego sets and several different barcodes in his wallet that were allegedly used in the scam. He was booked into Lee County jail and is expected to face charges for major theft.

Authorities say the case reflects a broader trend of barcode fraud tied to self-service checkout systems. Just days earlier in the same city, a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of using ramen barcode stickers to pay only cents for a cart of goods worth hundreds of dollars. The article also notes that self-checkout is spreading in Israel, raising similar concerns for retailers, who fear such losses may ultimately be passed on to consumers.