GCash and the Philippines Real-Name System: A Guide to Safe Rebinding and Cancellation

As the Philippines' real-name registration policy gradually advances, many users who rely on Philippine SIM card services are beginning to face a series of challenges, especially those who have linked important financial accounts such as e-wallets such as GCash, PayMaya and Grab. As the real-name system is approaching, how to safely and effectively change or cancel these services has become the focus of attention of many users. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to help you smoothly cope with this change.

Background and impact of the real-name system

Since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the SIM card mandatory registration bill, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines has quickly issued implementation rules to clarify the requirement that all SIM cards must be authenticated by real name. This policy is intended to combat illegal activities and maintain network security, but it also brings inconvenience to many users who rely on Philippine SIM card services. If the real-name authentication is not carried out in time, the SIM card will be deactivated within 180 days after the law takes effect, which will affect the security of various accounts bound to it.

Which services need to be cancelled or re-bound in time?

E-wallet applications: such as GCash, PayMaya and Grab, these applications usually require users to undergo KYC (know your customer) authentication and bind sensitive information such as passports. Once the SIM card is deactivated, these accounts may face security risks.

E-commerce platforms: For example, Shopee and Lazada, users often need to bind a credit card or payment account when shopping on these platforms. If the SIM card is deactivated, it may affect order payment and account security.

Instant messaging apps and social media: Although applications such as Telegram, Facebook and Twitter do not directly involve financial transactions, users' contact lists and chat records are also important personal assets, and it is necessary to change to a new number in time to retain these contacts.

How to safely change and cancel?

Change process:

Instant messaging apps and social media: Enter the account settings or security center in the app, find the option to change the binding number, and follow the prompts.

E-commerce platforms: After logging in to the account, find the option related to the mobile phone number in the account settings and perform the change operation. Note that some platforms may require verification of the original mobile phone number, so please make sure to complete the change before the SIM card is deactivated.

Cancellation process:

Shopee: Go to the "My" tab through the Shopee App, select the settings icon, request to delete the account, and follow the prompts to complete the verification and submission.

Lazada: iOS users can apply for cancellation directly in the app, while Android users need to contact online customer service to apply. Note that there is a 7-day cooling-off period after Lazada account cancellation, during which the deletion application can be cancelled.

GCash: The cancellation process of GCash is relatively complicated. Users must first settle all outstanding fees, then download and fill out the account deletion application form, submit a work order through the GCash Help Center, and attach an identity document (such as a passport). In addition, users can also suspend their GCash account by dialing *143# and selecting the Suspend option, but please note that this is not a complete cancellation.

Special Tips for GCash on Bifu

For users of GCash on Bifu, real-name authentication and account security are particularly important. During the implementation of the real-name policy, users are advised to pay close attention to GCash official announcements and keep abreast of relevant policies and operating guidelines. At the same time, to ensure account security, it is recommended to change to a new number in advance before the SIM card is deactivated or consider canceling a GCash account that is no longer in use.

Conclusion

With the gradual advancement of the real-name policy in the Philippines, users need to pay more attention to the security of their accounts. By timely changing or canceling services that are no longer used, you can effectively reduce the risk of account theft or abuse. I hope the guide in this article can help you cope with this change smoothly and ensure the safety of your personal assets and information.