Ride-hailing giant Bolt has taken swift action against an escalating trend of fake ride requests, blocking an undisclosed number of accounts and restricting inter-country ride requests. The move comes after a surge in fraudulent activity in Nigeria and South Africa, where riders would request rides in either country and then cancel after the driver made the pickup trip.
The incident unfolded on Thursday, with several social media accounts sharing screenshots of fake ride requests. The trend allegedly started after a tweet claimed that South Africans were ordering fake Bolt rides in Nigeria, prompting a wave of retaliatory actions. However, Bolt swiftly identified and blocked those responsible for the malicious activity, ensuring a safe and secure experience for its users.
Yahaya Mohammed, Country Manager of Nigeria at Bolt, acknowledged the incident and expressed commitment to protecting the company’s driver-partners. “We understand the impact this situation has had on our driver-partners in Nigeria and South Africa. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe, reliable, and secure experience for all members of our community,” he stated.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age, where malicious activities can quickly spread across borders. Bolt’s prompt response demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a trustworthy platform for users and driver-partners alike. However, the fallout has extended beyond the ride-hailing app, with some individuals engaging in fake orders for food and other items from South African businesses. As the situation continues to unfold, Bolt remains focused on ensuring a seamless and secure experience for its users.
Source: businessday
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