Most people know that stealing is against the law. Shoplifting is petty theft, pure and simple, and is a crime punishable by law. Shoplifting is generally defined as taking something from a retail establishment without paying for it. The laws that have to do with shoplifting can differ, depending on which state the crime takes place in. Changing the prices on merchandise in order to get the item for a cheaper price is also considered to be shoplifting, as is removing a shopping cart or any other store property from the area around the store, perform refund fraud, and using a type of payment that is known to be invalid and therefore, illegal. A person who does not actually steal anything can be taken in for just the intent to shoplift. Shoplifting is a misdemeanor if the amount stolen is less than $500. Shoplifting is a felon if the amount stolen is more than $500.