A Walmart shopper has generated significant attention after filming herself attempting to shoplift at a self-checkout and subsequently being caught by the store’s AI-powered surveillance system.
The TikTok user, who goes by the name Nesha, shared the video, which has amassed over 2.2 million views, despite the embarrassing outcome.
In the video, Nesha showcases her shopping experience at a Walmart store, where she pretends to scan items before placing a pink backpack into her shopping bag without actually scanning it. Shortly after, a notification appears on the self-checkout screen, indicating that an associate is on the way to assist.
When a store employee arrives, the self-checkout system displays a “Missed Scan Detected” message, accompanied by video footage of Nesha dragging the unscanned backpack over the scanning area. The employee, who appears to find the situation amusing, laughs as she assesses the incident.
Nesha later claims in her caption that although the worker laughed, she still called for a manager and the police, resulting in Nesha being banned from all Walmart locations in her area for two years. The caption includes the phrase, “#stealinggonewrong.”
According to a 2023 LendingTree survey, approximately 15% of shoppers admitted to having stolen items from self-checkouts, but only 33% of those were caught. In response to rising theft, Walmart has implemented several anti-shoplifting measures, reportedly losing around $3 billion annually due to theft, according to Gitnux.
One of the technologies Walmart has introduced is “Missed Scan Detection,” which uses AI-powered cameras to help reduce theft and inventory loss. This system was first implemented in 2017. More recently, Walmart has begun using nearly invisible barcodes on its store-branded items, allowing them to be scanned without the need for direct interaction with the barcode.
Despite these efforts, some Walmart locations have opted to eliminate self-checkout stations due to persistent theft issues. However, Walmart stated that changes are part of a broader initiative to enhance the in-store shopping experience. A spokesperson for the company noted that Walmart does not publicly disclose specific security measures in its stores.
With input from New York Post and the Daily Mail.
