Over the years, Walmart and other companies have implemented a variety of security measures to prevent people from shoplifting.
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These features can be effective in improving in-store security. However, some consumers argue that such measures harm the overall shopping experience.
For example, one Internet user claimed that they did waited 45 minutes to unlock a case at Walmart so they could buy a cheap item. Another claimed so falsely accused of shoplifting through security after taking advantage of some of the in-store offers.
Regardless, many stores continue to implement advanced security measures. One of these measures is an improved camera system. And, as TikTok user @dadbodhistory recently explained in a video with more than 31,000 views, some security cameras are more prevalent and catch more than the average shopper might think.
What was so scary about this Walmart security system?
In his video, the TikToker explains that he visited a Walmart location to make some purchases. Scanning two dips – one in each hand – he ran into trouble after scanning the first item and moving it to the bag.
“I first scan the one on my left and move it to the bag on my right, and the bag is a little further away than normal. So I drop it in the bag, and then the screen says, ‘Associate Needed,’” the TikToker recalls.
The TikToker was unsure why an employee would be needed to approve the purchase of dips. He was shocked to see that as soon as the employee came over, he was shown a video of himself scanning the item.
“There’s a video of me scanning one, and it said, ‘Possible item theft,’” he says. “I just said, ‘Yes, I scanned one first and moved it to the bag. I didn’t realize it. ”
This experience has clearly left the TikToker unsettled.
“And we were afraid that Big Brother would become the government,” he concludes.
Does Walmart’s self-checkout really have this feature?
Over the years, Walmart has tried numerous methods to reduce shoplifting, including a brief test that tagged items RFID tags.
It appears that at least some self-checkouts are equipped with the technology explained by the TikToker. A Article from November 2023 by Business insider discussed the technology and noted that while some customers expressed frustrations with it, the author was able to complete their transaction with ease.
That said, there are other cases where shoppers claimed they faced similar issues to the TikToker, such as one Reddit post in which a user claimed he got a similar “Possible Item Theft” message while scanning ornaments.
@dadbodhistory
Big brother is watching.
♬ original sound – Dad Bod History
In the comments section, users gave their opinions about this technology.
“I’m not trained to scan messages,” one user joked.
“The same thing happened to me. I have learned that it is not pleasant to have more than one item in your hands at the same time. Annoying because I grab two or three things so I can get done faster,” another added.
“I learned that when I have an item in each hand, scan one and the other, they turn the camera on so I can see it,” shared a third.
They continued, “I turned my finger to the image. I heard a sigh.”
The Daily Dot contacted Walmart via media relations contact form and TikToker via email.
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