People create various types of videos to go viral on social media. Sometimes they prank strangers, and sometimes they involve passersby. But sometimes, a simple joke played in front of the camera can lead to trouble.
One such incident has come to light from a supermarket in the US. An influencer pranked a store employee, and the video has now become a topic of discussion on social media. Initially, it seemed like a simple joke, but the employee’s patience wore thin. What he said on camera touched people’s hearts, and strangers raised approximately 9.6 million rupees to help him.
Pretending to scan with a phone, the sound of payment playing
This video was first shared on Instagram by an account called Three Of A Kind. In it, an influencer approaches a Red Baron supermarket employee who was busy arranging items on the shelves. The influencer takes out his phone and begins scanning the employee as if he’s accepting money. He even plays a payment sound similar to Apple Pay. The employee is initially confused, but soon realises he’s being pranked and filmed.
The employee said, “Don’t record me.”
The employee clearly told the influencer not to record him. He warned him that he could file a complaint. But instead of taking his words seriously, the influencer continued joking and thanked the employee for giving him $20. This angered the employee even more. He explained that he was already having a rough day. He was getting home late, and his children were waiting for him.
Un trabajador de un supermercado decidió plantarle cara a un influencer que estaba gastándole una broma para reírse de él.
“Probablemente tú ganes dinero con esto. Yo ni siquiera puedo pagar mi hipoteca y tengo 4 hijos en casa”.
Sus palabras han conmovido tanto a miles de personas que han organizado una campaña en GoFundMe para ayudarlo, con la que ya han recaudado más de 70.000$.
— ceciarmy (@ceciarmy) October 29, 2026
The responsibility of four children, plus the pressure of work, is what he’s been doing.
The employee told the influencer that it had been almost an hour since his shift ended, but he still had to work. His children are waiting at home, and he has to wake up again at 5 a.m. the next day. He also explained that he has to visit 10 more stores for work the next day. This means he’s barely getting a chance to relax after a tiring day. But his troubles aren’t limited to long working hours. The employee said he fears this incident could cost him his job.
“You’re making money from videos, but I can’t even support my family.”
During the conversation, the employee’s anger and pain were both evident. He told the influencer that he might be earning money by making such videos, but his own financial difficulties are no less. The employee said, “You might be making money from these videos. I can’t even pay my house instalments, and I have four children.” Hearing this, many people on social media became emotional. People said that it’s not right to joke like this between someone’s livelihood and family responsibilities. Finally, the influencer offered to leave. However, the employee clearly told him to leave immediately and not be seen around until he finished his work.
When the video went viral, people reprimanded the influencer.
The video was later shared on X by a user named Ceci Army. The matter quickly went viral. People took the employee’s words seriously and criticised the influencer’s behaviour. Many users questioned how it was right to harass a hard-working person just to gain views and likes on social media. Some also expressed concern that the employee’s job might be in danger after this incident. People said that the employee was already under pressure at work. Making him uncomfortable on camera and making fun of his problems were completely wrong.
An unknown person started a help campaign.
After the employee’s plight came to light, a person named Luke Oakenshield launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for him. He explained that he didn’t know the employee personally, but after hearing his story, he wanted to help. The fundraiser was intended to provide financial relief to the employee. The person who started the campaign said he was trying to find the employee’s contact number so the money could be sent directly to him. He also clarified that he would not take any money from the funds raised. According to him, he wanted to provide some financial support to this employee who was going through a difficult time.
More than 9.6 million rupees were raised, showing people’s generosity.
The response to the fundraiser exceeded expectations. The campaign raised more than $101,486. This amount translates to approximately 9.66 million rupees in Indian currency. Raising such a large sum to help an unknown person became a topic of discussion on social media. People said that while some turn others’ problems into entertainment, others, without any identification, come forward to help those in need. Following this incident, many questioned the appropriateness of mocking someone’s personal problems on social media for entertainment.
