Walmart isn’t fooling around with shoppers that try to shoplift. Tik Tok influencer Nesha filmed herself trying to steal from the global retail store. However, she was caught and now faces a two year ban. AI has come to Walamrt and it looks like it will stay.
Caught in the Act: TikTok’s Viral Incident
TikToker Nesha filmed herself shoplifting at a Walmart self-checkout and it was not a good idea. She tried to hide items in her backpack she pretended to scan. ASs soon as it went viral to her more than 2 million viewers, Walamrt came back with its AI security making the catch.
The incident, captured by Walmart’s AI “Missed Scan Detection” system, showcases the retailer’s significant investment in technology to tackle self-checkout theft. As part of a broader strategy, this system aims to catch those who attempt to sidestep scanning items, thereby reducing losses caused by such activities.
San Francisco rolls out AI-powered cameras to combat crime https://t.co/RZMZmbNYzN
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 30, 2024
AI Intervention and Consequences
The AI system appropriately flagged Nesha’s actions, triggering an alert for human intervention. A “Missed Scan Detected” message was displayed, with an associate soon arriving to address the situation. Despite some humor shared between Nesha and an employee, the store manager and police were called, leading to Nesha’s two-year ban from all area Walmarts.
“POV: When you usually don’t get caught and now you’re banned for 2 years from all Walmarts in my area.” – Nesha,
Such incidents reveal both the potential and limitations of technological solutions in retail environments. While AI is adept at identifying theft patterns and deterring dishonest shoppers, it simultaneously exposes vulnerabilities in reliance on technology alone.
San Francisco rolls out AI-powered cameras to combat crime https://t.co/RZMZmbNYzN
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 30, 2024
Ongoing Battle Against Retail Theft
Walmart’s struggle with theft is significant, reporting annual losses of $3 billion. To combat this, the retailer has expanded its use of AI and secured a $3 million deal with tech company Digimarc to enhance their security measures. The integration of such technology represents the forefront of loss prevention strategies in retail.
“Even though she laughed … She called the manager, police and had us escorted outside.” – Nesha,
Despite these technological advances, some Walmart locations have removed self-checkout options due to persistent theft challenges. The company continues to innovate, implementing solutions such as nearly invisible barcodes to streamline scanning and further reduce opportunities for theft. Yet, the human element remains crucial in ensuring these systems operate effectively, reminding us that AI complements but does not entirely replace human oversight.
