A Walmart shopper filmed herself shoplifting at the self-checkout and got caught by the company’s AI-powered cameras. Despite being caught, she still posted the embarrassing clip to TikTok. The video has garnered over 2.2 million views. In the video, the woman is seen scanning and bagging a few items through the self-checkout system at a Walmart store. She pretends to scan a backpack before placing it in her shopping bag without scanning the barcode, triggering a pop-up notification on the computer screen that alerts an associate.
The associate approaches, scans her card, and the screen displays a “Missed Scan Detected” message along with an overhead video recording of the customer dragging the backpack without scanning the barcode. The TikToker, Nesha, captures the employee’s reaction, who covers her mouth while laughing. Despite the employee’s laughter, she calls the manager and the police, and the shopper is escorted outside. Nesha shared the incident on TikTok with the hashtag #stealinggonewrong.
According to a 2023 LendingTree survey, around 15% of shoppers admit to purposefully stealing items at self-checkouts, with only 33% of them getting caught. Walmart has been increasing its anti-shoplifting measures due to an estimated $3 billion loss annually from theft. The retail giant has introduced artificial intelligence tools like the “Missed Scan Detection,” which uses AI-powered cameras to reduce theft and inventory losses. This technology was first implemented in Walmart stores in 2017.
In addition to AI-powered cameras, Walmart has also incorporated nearly invisible barcodes on store-branded items. These barcodes allow items to be scanned by passing through the scanning area, eliminating the need to scan a singular barcode directly. This technology is part of a $3 million deal with Digimarc. Despite these measures, some Walmart locations have experienced high levels of theft, leading to the removal of self-checkout areas. However, Walmart states that this decision is part of a broader effort to enhance the in-store shopping experience.
When asked about security measures, a Walmart spokesperson stated that the company does not publicly disclose them. The incident captured on TikTok serves as a reminder of the consequences of shoplifting and the advanced technologies that retailers are using to combat theft. It also highlights the role of social media in sharing such incidents and the potential legal ramifications for those involved in criminal activities.
