We all know that a trip to Kmart is usually a pretty straightforward affair—pick up a few bargains, maybe browse the homewares, and try not to get lost in the maze of aisles.

But for one unsuspecting shopper, a recent visit turned into a wild confrontation that’s now making waves across Australia.


It all started in the underwear section of a Kmart in Adelaide, where a teenage prankster decided to try out a so-called 'Apple Pay prank' on an unsuspecting customer.

The teen approached the man and asked for the time, prompting the shopper to pull out his phone.


That’s when things took a turn: the teen reached over, pretended to tap the man’s phone, and played a pre-recorded Apple Pay sound—mimicking the noise you hear when a payment goes through.

While viewers on social media could see it was just a prank, the customer had no idea. He immediately became suspicious, demanding to know what the teen was doing and insisting the prankster hand over his phone.

The situation quickly escalated, with the man trying to snatch the phone away as the teen repeatedly apologised and tried to defuse the tension.


The video, which has since gone viral, cuts off before we see how the confrontation ended—but it’s clear the prank left the shopper shaken and angry.

For those unfamiliar, Apple Pay is a contactless payment system that lets users pay for goods by hovering their Apple devices over a payment terminal.

Importantly, transferring money simply by tapping one phone against another is impossible.

But in the heat of the moment, and with the realistic sound effect, it’s easy to see why someone might panic—especially if they’re not tech-savvy.

The prank has been circulating on social media, with some teens thinking it’s a harmless joke.

But many Aussies are calling it out as dangerous and irresponsible. As one commenter put it: ‘Prank your mates if you have any, not strangers trying to live their lives in peace.’

Another added: ‘This is a dangerous thing to do in Australia.’

While pranks might seem like a bit of fun, targeting strangers—especially in public places—can have serious consequences.

Not only can it cause distress or panic, but it can also lead to confrontations that quickly get out of hand.

In this case, the shopper’s reaction was completely understandable. Imagine thinking someone had just stolen money from your phone!

There’s also the risk of legal trouble. If a prank is perceived as threatening or causes someone to feel unsafe, it could be considered harassment or even assault.

And with so many people on edge these days, it’s best to think twice before pulling a stunt like this.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, there are a few important steps to keep in mind.

First, stay calm—take a deep breath and try to assess what’s really going on. Avoid handing over your phone unless you’re certain the person is a genuine authority figure.

Report the incident to store staff or security so they can check CCTV footage and respond appropriately.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your family, especially kids and grandkids, about these types of pranks and the potential risks involved.

With social media trends spreading faster than ever, it’s important to have open conversations with the younger people in your life.

What might seem like a harmless joke online can have real-world consequences. Encourage your kids and grandkids to think before they act, and remind them that respect for others is always in style.


We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you or someone you know ever been the target of a prank in a store or public place? How did you handle it? Do you think these kinds of pranks are all good fun, or do they cross the line? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.