In a bizarre and now-viral case out of Florida, a mother and her pregnant daughter were arrested after allegedly using Kool-Aid packets to pull off a clever — but illegal — theft scheme at a local Walmart. The incident, which was captured on bodycam video, left both officers and shoppers stunned.
According to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, the two women — whose names have not been released pending investigation — were caught after Walmart’s loss prevention team noticed suspicious behavior at the self-checkout lane. The pair had reportedly been scanning small Kool-Aid powder packets — worth less than a dollar each — while bagging high-value items such as electronics, baby clothes, and household goods.
Security footage showed the duo placing several expensive products in their cart, then slyly scanning the Kool-Aid packets as substitutes for the real prices. One of the suspects, visibly pregnant, appeared to distract employees by complaining about “scanner issues” while her mother continued bagging unpaid items.
When police arrived, they discovered that the total value of unpaid merchandise exceeded $1,500, turning what could have been a minor shoplifting case into a felony theft charge.
“They were using Kool-Aid packets to trick the scanner into thinking they were paying for every item,” explained Officer Darren Cole. “It’s one of the most creative — and brazen — theft attempts we’ve ever seen.”
Bodycam footage released by authorities shows the mother being handcuffed in the parking lot while officers gently spoke with her pregnant daughter, who appeared distraught. Despite her emotional pleas, both were taken into custody.
According to police, the scheme may not have been an isolated incident. Investigators are reviewing footage from nearby Walmart stores to determine if the suspects had used the same trick elsewhere.
“They clearly knew what they were doing,” said one detective. “This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act — it was a planned scam.”
The story quickly went viral on TikTok and Facebook, where users dubbed the incident the “Kool-Aid Scam.” Reactions ranged from disbelief to amusement.
“Who even thinks of that?” one commenter wrote. “That’s some next-level creativity — just in the wrong direction.”
Another added, “Walmart scanners are smart, but not that smart apparently.”
However, others expressed sympathy, pointing out that the pregnant daughter may have been acting out of desperation.
“She’s expecting a baby — maybe she just needed help and made the wrong choice,” wrote one user.
Authorities confirmed that the mother faces charges of grand theft and fraud, while her daughter could face lesser charges due to her pregnancy and cooperation with police. Both were released on bail pending their next court date.
A Walmart spokesperson issued a brief statement, thanking law enforcement for their quick response and reminding customers that theft prevention technology continues to evolve.
“While we understand the current economic challenges families face, theft is never the solution,” the statement read.
As the video continues circulating online, the case has sparked debate about morality, poverty, and accountability — and how far some people are willing to go for what they believe they need.
For police, one thing is certain:
“We’ve seen all kinds of scams,” said Officer Cole, “but this one definitely takes the Kool-Aid.”
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