SIM registration will help fight fraud, fake bookings
The pre-registration of SIM cards used in mobile phones is a critical tool to manage illegal or malicious use of modern technology and could be an effective deterrent against fraudulent and fake bookings that is putting the e-commerce space in a bad light.
Digital platform foodpanda said the passage of Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, is necessary to combat the proliferation of fraudulent activities, such as fake bookings of food deliveries that affect restaurants, riders, customers, and digital platforms alike.
“The steep rise of digital transactions over the years has led to the growing number of incidents of fraud and scams,” said foodpanda Philippines chief executive officer Daniel Marogy. “Even online delivery services did not escape the malicious attacks of scammers as prank orders, and fake bookings have also victimized some,” Marogy said.
“With the Law, foodpanda, its customers, partner vendors, and delivery partners can file complaints against fraudsters, including those utilizing prepaid SIMs. This empowers platforms and all stakeholders of the eCommerce industry to protect their rights, privacy, financial credibility, and transactions,” Marogy said.
With the Law, foodpanda, its customers, partner vendors, and delivery partners can file complaints against fraudsters, including those utilizing prepaid SIMs.
Online fraud on the rise
According to a Consumer Pulse Study conducted by global information and insights company TransUnion, 11 percent of Filipino respondents became victims of digital fraud schemes. Such fraudulent activities include phishing attempts and other scams online.
The passage of the SIM Registration Act, which requires all SIM users to register their mobile numbers under their name, will aid law enforcement in tracking down perpetrators capitalizing on the anonymity of unidentified SIM to perform their misdeeds.
For foodpanda’s part, Marogy noted that the law would help deter cases of prank orders or fake bookings and prevent similar incidents from happening again. “It not only empowers consumers who are, at times, victims of these crimes but similarly, saves our partner vendors from the trouble of preparing the food and our delivery partners from the time and effort to deliver the order.”