A video is rapidly gaining traction online in which a Pune woman recounts how a seemingly ordinary restaurant visit turned into a distressing experience. The woman, identified as Rishika Dutta, took to Instagram to share her ordeal, stating that the incident occurred after she dined at a popular restaurant on FC Road on April 28.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to Dutta, she scanned a QR code placed on the table to access the restaurant's menu—a common practice adopted by numerous eateries in place of printed menus. Later that same night, she began receiving messages from an unknown number. Upon checking the sender's identity and communicating with him, she discovered that the individual worked at the same restaurant she had visited earlier.
Dutta suspects that her phone number was obtained from the QR-based menu system used by the outlet. Screenshots shared in her video depict the man attempting to initiate a conversation, asking about her age, and trying to befriend her.
Disturbing Aftermath
The woman expressed that the incident left her deeply disturbed, particularly because she had never directly shared her number with any employee during her visit. She informed the restaurant management, who claimed to have terminated the employee from all their branches. However, when Dutta requested a termination letter or an apology email, neither was provided.
She urged people to speak out against data breaches, stating, 'The next time you scan a QR code, remember you are not just ordering food; you are serving your safety and database on a platter.'
In her Instagram caption, she wrote: 'Got a late-night text from a number I didn’t recognise—turns out visiting a certain spot on FC Road came with more than just a good time. Your data shouldn’t follow you home. Stay aware!'
Social Media Reaction
The incident quickly sparked reactions online, with many expressing concern over the ease with which personal data can be compromised through QR codes.
- 'Thanks for sharing, dear. Will be aware of the same,' wrote one user.
- 'This is the reason I always ask my male friends to scan the QR, whether for the menu or while paying the bill. I pay my friends the money I owe, but I avoid scanning those QRs,' shared another.
- 'I was never comfortable scanning these QRs. Thanks for sharing this. Now we all got the reason,' wrote one.
- 'UPI ID generally contains a phone number, but can be customized to a general ID without revealing the phone number! Please change it as one of the safety measures,' advised another.
