Kolkata woman alleges phone repair shop leaked her personal videos online

Most of us hand over our phones for repair without a second thought, trusting the shop-owner to handle our devices carefully. But for a young woman in Kolkata, that trust turned into her worst nightmare when the shop-owner allegedly leaked her private photos and videos online.

Courtesy: Reddit

The incident has left her devastated. In her Reddit post, she wrote that she feels her life has completely collapsed. She deleted all her social media accounts, changed her phone number, and cut herself off from friends and family. According to her, the harassment has been so intense that her own parents have stopped talking to her, and she now spends most of her time locked inside her room. “I don’t know how I will ever recover from this,” she confessed, asking if anyone else had gone through something similar and how to heal from the trauma.

Her story is shocking, but it highlights a harsh reality about our digital lives. Phones today carry our most personal information — conversations, photos, financial details, and memories. Handing them over without precautions can leave us vulnerable. Once that trust is broken, the damage is not just digital; it can deeply affect mental health, reputation, and relationships.

How to protect your data before repair
If you ever need to give your phone for repair, here are a few precautions that can save you from a similar nightmare:

–Back up and reset: If your phone still switches on, transfer your data to the cloud or a laptop and do a factory reset. This erases private files.

–Remove SIM and memory card: Always take these out before handing your phone to anyone.

–Use secure folders: Many phones let you lock or hide sensitive photos and documents. Make use of these features.

—Choose trusted centers: Go for authorized service providers when possible. They are more accountable than local shops.

What to do if your data is leaked
If the worst happens, remember you are not alone. There are steps you can take:

–File a complaint with cybercrime authorities: Visit your local cybercrime police station or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

–Request takedowns on social media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X have strict rules against non-consensual intimate content. Victims can request immediate removal.

–Seek emotional support: It’s natural to feel broken and isolated, but speaking to trusted friends, family, or a counselor can help in recovery.

–Do not blame yourself: This crime is never the victim’s fault. The responsibility lies only with the perpetrator.

This Kolkata woman’s story is not just about one incident. It’s a wake-up call for all of us to be more cautious with our digital lives. Phones may be small devices, but inside them, they carry our entire world. And protecting that world should always come first.