Thirty percent of Americans say they’ve shoplifted this year, up from 24% in 2024, with many citing financial strain tied to inflation, according to new research from financial site LendingTree.
About 90% of those who admitted to shoplifting cited affordability concerns and the broader economy as among the drivers of their thefts, according to the LendingTree study, which surveyed 2,000 people in early June.
Inflation has accelerated this year, largely because the Iran war has sent oil and gasoline prices sharply higher. LendingTree said respondents who reported stealing were often taking necessities rather than discretionary items.
“These findings show how deeply inflation and financial stress continue to affect many households,” Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, said in a statement. “When people are willing to risk the consequences of shoplifting for basics like food and personal hygiene products, it’s an unmistakable sign that many families are struggling mightily just to make ends meet.”
