Hyderabad: Businesses in the city have gone to the extreme length of harvesting your data — from forcing e-bills in the name of saving paper to denying discounts and return and exchange privileges to those who demand physical bills.
Many in the city have, of late, been receiving a slew of spam calls after having given their phone numbers at dozens of outlets, and they fear that the data theft situation would worsen further.
Karthik Dhanwal, a research assistant who has been working remotely, often chooses to explore a coffee shop or eatery. Post-Covid, he got used to scanning QR codes at these restaurants for menus without having to call for a physical one.
"At first, I thought how convenient it was until I realised how they were slowly trespassing, entering my phone number and contact details to get access to the menu or even pay the bill," Dhanwal said. On enquiring from his friend who refused to give his phone number for an e-bill, he learnt about what he calls the 'data mafia.'
Sunitha Poni, a telecom professional, was shopping at a popular mall with her niece when the latter had a tiff with the billing staff, who forced them to take an e-bill. "They tried to 'green wash' the incident when we called the manager to intervene. He said that they wanted to save on paper and so wanted to send the bill to our email IDs," she told DC.
Chotu. R was shocked when told that discounts and exchange or return policies won't apply to his bill if he refuses to take an e-bill at a renowned medical store.
"I got them to give it to me in writing and they did. Such is the extent to which they are willing to go to get our details. Why is the second-class treatment meted out to us for just being vigilant," he asked.
Cyber security experts said that young students are paid peanuts by consultancies to sell them their classmates' contact numbers and other data. So is the case with BPO executives, who work as delivery executives, for getting data.
Moutan Sarkar, a cybersecurity expert, explained that the first and most effective weapon against data theft is awareness.
"People need to know that they can always ask for a physical menu or bill. When denied, walk out of the store so they know they can't force this upon customers. If a third party ever calls you or sends emails and messages, you can lodge a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in . If found guilty of data theft, the companies will have to pay hefty fines," Sarkar said.
