July 17, 2026

Why Do Retailers Ask For Mobile Number Before Issuing BIll?

By Linus Garg
First publised on 2023-05-25 03:56:04

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Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.

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Most big retailers, chain stores, pharmacies and even some large kirana stores have now made it a practice to ask for the mobile number of the buyers before issuing the bill for their purchase. The buyers, too, mindlessly and unconcerned about the breach of privacy (and later they rail against the telecom department for not doing anything about pesky calls without realizing that giving mobile numbers to such outlets is one of the reasons why they get pesky calls and messages - these outlets use their numbers and also pass them on to sister concerns and associate companies and sometimes even sell the data). This is not a healthy practice. These billers can ask for name and address and in case of purchases of large amounts or if payment above Rs 20000 is made in cash, the PAN number. But they are not authorized to ask for mobile number or Aadhar details.

The government has taken not of this. The consumer affairs ministry has indicated that it will issue an advisory to stop it. Giving out mobile number will be left to the discretion of the customer and will not affect his or her right to get the bill. The retailer cannot refuse to give the bill just because the customer refuses to part with his mobile number. One thinks that this is something which the retailers need to look in their billing software which has incorporated the mobile number entry for ease of issuing bills. But the privacy of the customer cannot be breached just because it is easy for them. Hence, the government decision to plug this one of the many privacy breaches is welcome.