What term describes stealing goods from retail merchants?

• A. Shoplifting
• B. Obtaining property by false pretenses
• C. Confidence game
• D. High-tech crimes

Answer: (A)

Stealing goods from retail merchants is shoplifting. The essential idea is taking merchandise from a store without paying, with the intent to permanently deprive the retailer of possession. The crime can be committed by concealing items and then leaving the store, or by taking items from the shelves and avoiding payment, as long as the defendant intends to steal and the property belongs to another. The focus is on unlawful taking of store property with intent to steal.

Why the other terms don’t fit: Obtaining property by false pretenses involves obtaining title through misrepresentation or deception, not simply taking merchandise from a store. A confidence game is a broader scam that relies on deceit to obtain money or property from someone, not specifically stealing goods from a retailer. High-tech crimes involve offenses using computers or digital technology, not the classic act of taking physical merchandise from a store.