Additional Coverage:
- Walmart shopper raises concern about retailer collecting his data without his permission (marketrealist.com)
Walmart Shopper’s Cash Purchase Raises Eyebrows Over Data Collection
A recent TikTok video by a concerned shopper has ignited a firestorm of discussion regarding retail giants’ data collection practices, particularly after he claims Walmart knew about a cash purchase he made without any electronic devices on his person.
John Graham, a TikTok user with the handle @attyjdgraham, shared an experience that has since garnered over 3.2 million views. Graham explained that he received an email from Walmart asking him to rate a USB cable he had purchased.
The perplexing part? He paid cash for the item and emphatically states he had no phone, headphones, or any other electronic devices with him at the time of the transaction.
“Hey, how does Walmart know what I’m buying in cash?” Graham questioned in his video, addressing a common assumption by clarifying he’s never had the Walmart app. He even recounted the slightly awkward situation of trying to describe the specific USB cable he needed, further cementing his lack of electronic assistance during the purchase.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among viewers, with many speculating on how Walmart could have linked the cash transaction to Graham’s email address. Some commenters suggested the retailer might be employing advanced surveillance technologies, including AI-powered facial recognition, to identify shoppers regardless of their payment method or electronic device usage.
“Former employee: Walmart has been experimenting with facial recognition for like 5 years or more,” one viewer reportedly wrote, adding fuel to the speculation.
Another commenter highlighted the double mystery: “So not only did you purchase it in cash with no electronics on you. The scarier thing is not only did they know who you were, but what email to send it to.” This sentiment was echoed by others, underscoring the discomfort many feel about the potential for such extensive data tracking without explicit consent.
While some pondered if Graham might have previously looked up the product online, this doesn’t fully explain the direct email solicitation for a review after a cash-only, no-electronics purchase. The incident has undoubtedly intensified the ongoing debate about consumer privacy and the extent to which major retailers are monitoring their customers’ shopping habits.