Coles hits back at claim it’s placing ‘electronic imprints’ on shoppers

Coles has denied claims that it is placing “electronic imprints” on customers.

The supermarket giant was forced to issue the strong denial after a customer made a series of extraordinary claims in a post that’s since been shared more than 1200 times on social media.

In it, the shopper claimed Coles staff told him the retailer had introduced “imprint” or “electronic signature” technology on people shopping at its stores.

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He claimed the move would see customers have a “red dot” placed on them when they enter a store, via a series of cameras linked to Coles’ computer system.

Then, once customers have finished paying for an item, the “dot” then turns green, meaning that the store’s security gates can open and the customer is allowed to leave the store.

However, a Coles spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the claims raised in the post are all incorrect.

“We do not use facial recognition technology in our stores. The claims made in this social post are not true,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson went on to acknowledge that Coles tracks customers within the self-serve checkout area using “overhead sensors” for use with its smart gates.

The cameras follow customers from the register to the exit after they’ve paid for an item, and allow for the gates to open.

“The safety of our team members and customers is our top priority, and we have a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including new smart gate technology,” the spokesperson added.

“This technology uses overhead sensors in the checkout area to detect motion from the point of sale to the exit – automatically opening the gates once customers have completed payment for their items.”

Controversial post

The false Facebook post which sparked the denial from Coles has generated enormous interest on Facebook.

In his post, the shopper claimed he had heard the incorrect from three staff members at his local store.

“While shopping, my partner suddenly need to go to the toilet,” he claimed.

“However, the gates wouldn’t let her out of the store so, in a panic, she ran around till she found a staff member who unlocked the gate for her.

“Talking to three different staff members about it, afterwards, we were told that every time we enter the store, an electronic ‘signature’ is imprinted in our heads as a red dot that is recognised on their computer screens. Then, when we’ve paid, the dot turns green and the gates open for us.”

The post received hundreds of responses online, with many questioning the claims.

“I find this very hard to believe. The electronic gates yes, the dots and ‘imprints’ in the brain that you describe – very far fetched,” said one.

Another wrote: “This isn’t true at all!”

One more added: “WTF?? This cannot be real.”

Added another: “It’s not literally imprinting you with anything. The computer just recognises you and tracks you.”