According to leading online quick commerce digital platform foodpanda, SIM registration can help in combating the proliferation of fraudulent activities such as fake bookings of food deliveries that affect restaurants, riders, customers, and digital platforms alike.
Republic Act No. 11934, otherwise known as the SIM Registration Act, empowers government agencies and Filipinos with the necessary tools to manage illegal or malicious use of modern technology.
“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 (CEO) Daniel Marogy. “Even online delivery services did not escape the malicious attacks of scammers as some have also been victimized by prank orders and fake bookings.”
“With the Law, foodpanda, its customers, partner vendors, and delivery partners are able to 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 remarked.
Online fraud on the rise
According to a Consumer Pulse Study conducted by global information and insights company TransUnion, 11% 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 will help deter cases of prank orders or fake bookings and possibly 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.”
foodpanda’s safety & security measures
The passage and implementation of the law, as shared by Marogy, also reinforces foodpanda’s aim to fight fraud. “Along with being a reliable and trusted online delivery platform comes to the responsibility of building confidence in our community of customers, delivery partners, and vendors that our systems and processes are safe and secure.”
He enumerated some of their key safety measures to promote the protection and welfare of their entire ecosystem. “Our security features ensure that online payment methods and tipping are well-protected. In addition, through our pandAware campaign, we provide tips and reminders on certain online safety hygiene for the protection of our stakeholders.”
“With our no abono policy, our Ka-panda delivery partners do not shell out any of their money to pay vendors upfront before delivery,” Marogy added.
“Alongside our security capabilities, we are confident that through legislation like the SIM Registration Law, our stakeholders will be safeguarded from fraudulent schemes carried out through mobile phones. So we pledge our full support and cooperation for its successful implementation that will also benefit the entire digital service industry.”
Marogy also lauded the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for taking the lead on the implementation, which commenced last December 27. “Kudos to all the government agencies involved in the implementation for spearheading the necessary coordination and facilitation and ramping up efforts on information drive,” Marogy added.
The law requires Filipinos to register their SIM cards by submitting requirements and valid identification. Under the implementing rules and regulations, all SIM owners must follow the registration process provided on the website of their respective telecommunication providers. Failure to register by the deadline on April 26, 2023, will lead to the SIM’s automatic deactivation. According to NTC, assistance services will also be available at retail and service centers of the telco companies.