For one, receipt data may be biased to a particular demographic or age group – i.e. The data doesn't come without its challenges. At the same time, brick and mortar stores are also increasingly sending digital receipts. This type of data sharing should increase, since online shopping is expected to grow. That's because emailed receipts are usually itemized, giving investors greater detail into what people are buying. Investors are already using anonymous data gleaned from credit card statements, but the rise of online shopping, and the digital receipts we get in our email, is a boon. One of the big sources in this category is receipts. In turn, those free apps may sell the data that we produce. That goes for the apps that organize our emails, send us coupons and help process refunds. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.