South Carolina Man Says Walmart Emailed Him About a Store Visit He Made Without Buying Anything — Raises Privacy Questions
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A South Carolina lawyer’s quick errand to Walmart turned into an unexpected privacy scare after he received an email from the company asking if he had recently visited one of its stores — even though he hadn’t made a purchase, logged in, or used the app.
“How Does Walmart Know Where I Was?”
In a viral TikTok that has been viewed more than 1.1 million times, attorney John Graham (@attyjdgraham) shared the unsettling message he received from Walmart.
“How does Walmart know where I was two days ago?” he asked in the video. “I got an email from Walmart that was like, ‘Hey, were you at this location two days ago?’”
Graham said he was certain he hadn’t swiped a card, made a purchase, or signed into any account that day. The only thing he did, he explained, was visit the store to buy ingredients for warm apple cider because his family was sick — but the store was out of stock, so he left empty-handed.
“I didn’t buy anything, and I didn’t sign in anywhere,” he said. “So how the hell does Walmart know where I was?”
How Retailers Track Customers Without Purchases
While the email left Graham puzzled, experts say the answer lies in retail data tracking systems that monitor customers even when they don’t check out.
According to Walmart’s own documentation for its Store Pilot Test Project, when a shopper’s Wi-Fi is enabled, their phone sends out a signal containing a Media Access Control (MAC) address — a unique device identifier. That signal allows the store’s system to log a device’s location as it moves through aisles.
Walmart says this technology helps it “understand how the average customer shops,” even without collecting direct personal data.
More Ways Stores May Be Tracking You
Investigations by The Counter revealed that Walmart and other major retailers are expanding tracking methods far beyond Wi-Fi.
The company holds patents for several technologies, including:
- Bluetooth beacons that detect shoppers using the Walmart app.
- Facial recognition systems via in-store security cameras.
- Invisible floor coatings that rub onto cart wheels, allowing cameras at checkout to map where customers traveled inside the store.
Walmart’s privacy policy also confirms that it collects technical data like IP addresses, geolocation, and behavioral information — combining it with other datasets such as social media activity, weather patterns, and even local events to optimize sales and layout design.
@attyjdgraham Hey siri, turn off location services.
The Growing Debate Over Retail Surveillance
While Walmart says its data collection aims to improve the shopping experience, privacy advocates warn that such practices raise serious consumer transparency and consent concerns.
Graham said the incident made him turn off his phone’s location services entirely. His video prompted thousands of similar comments from people claiming they’ve had the same experience.
“Your phone interacted with their Wi-Fi,” one viewer wrote. “If you carry a phone, companies already know where you are at all times.” Another added, “Wait until insurance companies get your grocery list and base your rates on what you eat.”
The Broader Impact of Data Tracking
Retail experts estimate that Walmart analyzes more than 200 billion rows of transactional data every few weeks — cross-referencing everything from gas prices to regional events. These insights allow the company to identify shopping trends and personalize marketing, but they also make complete anonymity nearly impossible.
Consumers can adjust some settings through Walmart’s Privacy Preference Center, though experts note that opting out rarely eliminates all forms of tracking.
The viral moment has reignited public debate about how much information companies collect — and how little most shoppers know about it.
Would you feel comfortable knowing a retailer tracks your movements even when you don’t make a purchase? Join the conversation and stay informed at NapervilleLocal.com.
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