A Prank that Cost Bolt $9,000

In a bizarre turn of events, the battle between Nigerians and South Africans on social media has resulted in a significant financial loss for Bolt drivers in both countries.

The prank, which involved booking fake rides across borders, has cost an estimated $9,000 in less than a day, highlighting the potential consequences of online mischief.

The saga began when a South African user posted about booking fake rides in Nigeria, solely to mess with the Bolt drivers in the country.

This revelation sparked outrage among Nigerians, who quickly retaliated by setting pickup locations in Mushin, Lagos, to random places in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Also Read – South African Uber, Bolt drivers to storm legislature to Protest Abuse from e-hailing Companies

How the Prank Worked

The prank exploited a loophole in Bolt’s system, allowing users to set pickup locations in other countries.

When a driver from the target country accepts the ride, they travel to the specified location, only to find no passenger waiting for them.

This not only wastes the driver’s time but also incurs unnecessary expenses, as Bolt calculates fares based on distance and time.

One South African driver reported driving 50 kilometers to a pickup location, only to discover that he was part of an online joke.

This incident highlights the real-world impact of these pranks, which may seem harmless to some but can have significant financial consequences for the drivers involved.

Also Read – Drivers Shutdown Uber and Bolt Apps in KwaZulu-Natal Over Safety Concerns

The Cost of the Prank

According to our calculations, the pranks could have cost Nigerian and South African drivers over $9,000 in less than 24 hours.

This figure is a testament to the scale of the prank and the potential for further financial losses if it continues.

Bolt’s fare calculation system, which takes into account distance and time, is the primary reason for the high cost.

When drivers travel to fake pickup locations, they incur expenses for the distance traveled, even if they don’t have a passenger in the car.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The online battle between Nigerians and South Africans has sparked a conversation about the consequences of online pranks and the need for more responsible behavior on social media platforms.

While the prank may have been intended as a harmless joke, it has had a tangible impact on the livelihoods of Bolt drivers in both countries.

Moving forward, it is crucial for users to be mindful of the potential consequences of their actions online.

Pranks that involve financial loss or inconvenience to others should be avoided, as they can have far-reaching implications that may not be immediately apparent.

The prank that cost Bolt $9,000 serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of online mischief.

As social media continues to play a significant role in our lives, it is essential to use these platforms responsibly and with consideration for others.

The financial burden placed on Bolt drivers in Nigeria and South Africa is a stark reminder that online actions can have real-world impacts.

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