In this day and age, giving personal information such as name, address, and phone number to companies in exchange for rewards has become the norm. However, clients may be subject to information leaks, which could lead to grave consequences.
Source: stock.adobe.com
Taking to the subreddit
AmItheAsshole, an 18-year-old girl shared her creepy story in a local pet shop and won the backing of the internet.
It was one day when she entered the familiar pet store and met a male employee for the first time.
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
According to the poster, the guy was about 20s, and he was polite and friendly. They had some small talks while he helped her get what she needed. The store had a rewards program for customers, so she entered her mobile number in the pin pat without second thoughts.
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
There would be no serious problems if a text from the guy at the shop later in the day freaked her out. It seemed he had her phone number through the information she had left at the pet store. Feeling frustrated, the girl reported the situation to the shop’s manager. However, her brother advised her to overlook the guy as her feedback could make him lose his job.
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
In contrast, most Redditors rallied behind the poster. They considered the guy’s action illegal when he violated others’ privacy. Even if he did not have malicious intentions, using the customer’s information for personal purposes was unacceptable. If the employee was dismissed, he should learn a lesson instead of blaming the customer.
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Many asserted that the girl’s response was reasonable while her brother was too careless. Perhaps men could not sense the creepy characteristic of this situation as women did. Netizens also advised the Redditor to return to the store if the guy continued working there.
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Others complained that similar situations in which men steal a woman’s personal information and contact her were common. Instead of that inappropriate manner, they had better ask directly for the phone number.
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
Source: r/AmItheAsshole
What would you do if you were in her position? Would you be creeped out if you were in a similar situation? Do you think data leaks may pose a high risk to people’s lives? Please share your idea with us in the comment below!