Texas Basic Peace Officer Certification Practice Exam

What offense is committed if a person alters a price tag to pay a lower amount for a retail item?

1. Fraudulent destruction, removal, or concealment of writing

2. Misapplication of fiduciary property

3. False statement to obtain property or credit

4. Securing execution of document by deception

The correct answer is: Fraudulent destruction, removal, or concealment of writing

The correct response identifies the offense of altering a price tag to pay a lower amount for a retail item as the fraudulent destruction, removal, or concealment of writing. This definition encompasses the act of intentionally manipulating a price tag, which is a form of writing that indicates the price of an item. By changing the price tag, the individual is knowingly committing fraud, as they are attempting to deceive the retailer into accepting the altered price for the item. This form of deception directly impacts the property and revenue of the retail establishment, as it results in the retailer potentially losing money by selling the item for less than its intended price. The act of altering or concealing the original price tag is a clear manipulation of written information for the purpose of deceit, which is why this choice accurately describes the offense committed in this scenario.