I was at Costco with my friend, using my membership card. When I was paying, I asked the attendant if we could get separate receipts for our purchases. She explained that while the items would be listed together on one receipt, the totals would be separated. I said OK.

After she finished scanning my items, she started scanning my friend’s items. Suddenly, a supervisor approached my friend and asked her to open her backpack. My friend became stressed but complied, showing her personal belongings. They insisted she empty everything out. My friend, feeling uncomfortable, said, “Sorry, I have to go,” and left, saying she’d return later.

Shortly after, the supervisor returned with some shoplifted items, claiming they were from my friend. The attendant scanned those items and took a photo of them with her phone. I asked the attendant what was happening, and she said, “We have to report this.” I was shocked and confused as I started to realize what was going on.

I felt ashamed and explained to her that the membership card was mine, and it wasn’t my fault. I begged her not to associate this incident with my profile. However, she said, “It’s your card, and since your friend doesn’t have a Costco membership, you’re responsible for the person you bring in.”

As I write this, I feel devastated and overwhelmed by how my trust was misused.

Could you please tell me what consequences I might face and what I should expect?

It will be considered as criminal record? I am really stressed.