FoodPanda Scam Rider Experience — Again. Here’s How to Avoid It.
I’ll be honest — naiinis talaga ako tuwing nangyayari ‘to.
Not just because I was inconvenienced, but because I also worry for people who don’t know this scam yet. Not everyone checks their app carefully. Not everyone questions the rider. And some end up losing money.
This happened again just recently, around 5:12 PM, when I ordered J.Co donuts via FoodPanda.
The Modus
The rider called me and said something like:
“Ma’am baka ma-refund yung payment niyo. Ako na lang tatawag sa FoodPanda. Pagdating ko diyan, bayaran mo na lang ako, COD.”
If I didn’t know better, it sounds helpful.
Pero red flag na agad yan.
Because if payment is already confirmed in the app, the rider should NOT be asking for cash. Hindi pwedeng doble ang bayad — and FoodPanda has policies to prevent that.
So I told him:
“If na-refund nga, ako na mismo mag-cha-chat sa FoodPanda. Mabilis sila mag-action.”
A few seconds later, I received a notification that my order was cancelled because “outside business hours” — which was clearly not true because 5:31 PM pa lang at open pa ang J.Co SM Cubao branch.
And yes, as expected:
Automatic refund sa account ko.
This rider purposely cancelled the order para sa kanya mapunta yung pagkain, tapos he’s expecting I will pay again in cash — so doble kita niya.
And the funny thing is…
I’m actually a generous tipper.
When riders are polite and honest, I usually tip ₱40–₱60.
Pero kapag may modus, iba na usapan.
How This Scam Works (Simple Explanation)
| Step | What They Do | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Order is real | To get the product |
| 2 | They call you and try to convince you to pay COD | To make you pay twice |
| 3 | They cancel the order on their end | So refund goes to your account |
| 4 | They deliver anyway and insist on cash | Double payment = double income for them |
Important: FoodPanda Has a Policy Now
When you go to the HELP button in the app, you’ll see a reminder:
If your order is already confirmed as paid, riders are NOT allowed to collect cash.
This is a big help.
You can use this to politely but firmly decline.
Tips to Protect Yourself
Here are the things I now do every time I order:
✅ 1. Never pay outside the app.
If the app says it’s paid, it’s paid.
✅ 2. Take screenshots.
• When rider arrives at store
• When rider is on the way
• Conversations inside the app
Proof = Protection.
✅ 3. Use the FoodPanda Chat instead of call.
More traceable, more accountable.
✅ 4. Trust your instincts.
If something feels off, it probably is.
✅ 5. Report riders who attempt this.
Para hindi iba naman ang mabiktima next time.
To FoodPanda — Sana ma-improve pa.
This is already my 5th or 6th experience with this kind of scam.
I really hope more proactive suspension action happens.
Hindi naman lahat ng riders ganito — and the honest riders deserve protection too.
To Everyone Reading This:
Let’s protect each other.
If you’ve experienced something like this, share it.
The more people know, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
Your story can save someone ₱500, ₱1,000, or more — and a lot of stress.
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