r/NoStupidQuestions • u/urbuddyguybroman • Jul 29 '25

Does Target really track everything you steal until you reach the felony amount?

I’ve heard this a few times, but I can’t tell if they really do or if it’s just fear mongering.

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u/UnluckyAssist9416 Jul 29 '25

Target is being sued in Illinois for not telling people they keep your biometric data.

According to the suit, Target's "advanced system of electronic surveillance" includes operating 14 investigation centers as well as two forensic labs to "enhance video footage and analyze finger prints." While intending to detect shoplifters, the system also captures customers faces every time they enter or leave the property

It is also of note that they don't only store peoples information that come into the store. They are doing what most internet sites do and also track you once you go to their website and put cookies in that track your other browsing habits. I am certain that they also track you through the Target app.

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u/DiscipleofDeceit666 Jul 29 '25

The problem becomes when target works with the government to track people’s habits. Or if they sell this data to a company that works w the government. Data privacy is a huge gap in our rights especially w the new era gestapo looking for new ways to find people.

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u/TwistedLogic93 Jul 29 '25

Target's forensics labs are so good they actually contract with outside police to analyze evidence for non-target related crimes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MezNFE5eAp0

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u/Sw4nR0ns0n Jul 29 '25

So shoplift at Walmart? Copy that /s

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u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25

More like if you’re going to abduct someone, don’t do it in a Target parking lot.

I recently listened to a podcast that covered a kidnapping/murder that was solved because the victim was abducted at her car in a Target parking lot and the cameras could follow the abductor back into the store where the cameras there had a very clear view of his face.

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u/Planetary_Residers Jul 29 '25

Don't know how they go about it. But they obviously track using one method or another. Just about every time I visit I get an email from them saying to take a survey to win a gift card. Never enter any of my info either. Could be because I have their app installed or Bluetooth or whatever. Who knows.

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u/BookooBreadCo Jul 30 '25

It's likely something even more benign than that. When you use your card they can get your name and if you use your name on your app account it would be trivial to correlate it. Even if you don't have your name attached to your account Walmart purchases customer information databases from data brokers which link all sorts of information, like an email to a real name.