The ride-hailing service Bolt has recently taken action to deactivate an unspecified number of user accounts after identifying a pattern of fraudulent activity. These accounts were reportedly involved in soliciting fictitious ride requests and then deliberately canceling them once a driver had committed to the trip.
To further combat this issue, Bolt has implemented restrictions on requests for rides that cross national borders. This measure specifically targets a problematic behavior observed predominantly among Bolt’s user base in Nigeria and South Africa.
This past Thursday, the social media platform X became a showcase for evidence of this misconduct. Users from Nigeria and South Africa were seen to be requesting cross-border rides on Bolt and then canceling them as soon as a driver was assigned, as evidenced by multiple screenshots shared on the platform. The underlying reasons for this disruptive trend remain uncertain, though it appears to be a form of internet mischief.
Yahaya Mohammed, the Country Manager for Bolt in Nigeria, commented on the situation, acknowledging the negative repercussions it has had on the company’s network of drivers in both Nigeria and South Africa. Mohammed emphasized Bolt’s dedication to maintaining a platform that is safe, dependable, and secure for all its users.
The repercussions of this trend have been felt keenly by drivers, as illustrated by the account of a driver from Cape Town. The driver recounted traveling a significant distance—nearly 50 kilometers—to fulfill a ride request in Stellenbosch, only to discover that it was a hoax, resulting in a substantial loss of fuel without compensation.
Given that Bolt’s policy does not cover the cost of fuel for rides that are canceled, some drivers have taken the initiative to decline requests for long-distance rides. This stance will likely persist until Bolt addresses the issue and provides a viable solution to prevent such financial losses for its drivers.
