A Walmart customer filmed herself stealing at the self-checkout, only to be caught by the store’s AI-powered cameras, and then shared the clip on TikTok. The video, posted by TikToker Nesha, has garnered over 2.2 million views. It shows the woman scanning several items and pretending to scan a backpack before placing it in her shopping bag without actually scanning it. The computer screen then displays a notification stating, “Associate is on the way,” stopping her from scanning more items or completing the checkout process.
When an employee arrives and scans her card, the screen changes to a “Missed Scan Detected” message, showing an overhead video of the failed scan. Nesha’s video then shows the worker laughing and covering her mouth. Despite the laughter, the employee called the manager and police, leading to Nesha and her companion being escorted out. In the caption, Nesha wrote, “Even though she laughed … she called the manager, police and had us escorted outside,” along with “#stealinggonewrong.”
A 2023 LendingTree survey revealed that around 15% of shoppers admitted to intentionally stealing items at self-checkouts, with only 33% of them getting caught. Walmart has stepped up anti-theft measures as the company reportedly loses about $3 billion annually due to theft, according to Gitnux. One of the tools employed is “Missed Scan Detection,” AI-powered cameras first introduced in 2017 to reduce theft and inventory losses.
Recently, Walmart has also implemented nearly invisible barcodes on store-branded items, allowing them to be scanned without directly scanning a barcode. This technology is part of a $3 million deal with Digimarc. Despite these additional measures, some locations have experienced high theft levels, leading to the removal of self-checkout areas. The company stated this change was part of a broader effort to enhance the “in-store shopping experience.” A Walmart spokesperson mentioned that the company does not publicly disclose security measures in its stores.
What Other Media Are Saying
- New York Post reports on a Walmart shopper who shamelessly films herself shoplifting at the self-checkout, highlighting the role of AI in catching the thief and raising concerns about surveillance.(read more)
- New York Post reports on a Walmart shopper who films herself shoplifting at the self-checkout, getting caught by AI while the clerk laughs, highlighting AI’s role in store security.
(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the Walmart shopper who filmed herself shoplifting?
She got caught by Walmart’s AI-powered cameras and was banned for 2 years.
How does Walmart’s AI-powered anti-shoplifting system work?
‘Missed Scan Detection’ uses AI cameras to detect items that weren’t properly scanned.
What percentage of self-checkout thieves get caught?
According to a 2023 survey, only 33% of self-checkout thieves are caught.
What technology has Walmart implemented to reduce theft?
Walmart uses AI-powered cameras and nearly invisible barcodes for theft prevention.
How much does Walmart reportedly lose due to theft annually?
Walmart reportedly loses an estimated $3 billion a year due to theft.
