Your MoneyYOUR MONEY

Your phone may be setting your price before you reach the shelf

CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo walked through how stores could use shoppers' personal data to set individual prices; the shopper beside you may pay less.

On air: Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell on BBN This Morning
Published 6:52 AM ET, Thursday, October 15, 2026

At a glance

First reported by CBS News: “AI could allow retailers to charge people different prices for the same item, experts warn”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:52 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell.
Topics: AI.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CBS NewsAI could allow retailers to charge people different prices for the same item, experts warn

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHere is the new part on that pricing warning: the experts say the price tag may be built just for you, using your phone and your habits, and the person beside you might pay less for the exact same item.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo a store looked at my whole life and decided I'm the guy who pays extra for a burrito. I feel seen.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt is personal attention, Chip. I get none at home, so I'll take it from a grocery store.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd the guy next to me gets the cheaper price. He must have a mysterious phone.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMysterious phones, Chip. That's what we should all be shopping for.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMysterious.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe warning from CBS News MoneyWatch is simple: your data is the coupon, and it is being used against you.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCheck what apps know about you before you check out.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the safest plan is just turning off location tracking and pretending I don't exist. Which honestly sounds relaxing.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorComing up later, which indie wrestling event is body-slamming its way back to a New Jersey town after a decade?
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd with no phone, the cashier charged me full sticker price, plus one apology. Gloria, what's the damage in the world today?