Attention shoppers looking for points and discounts: That practice is coming to an end

Loyalty card programs stand out as a popular tool that allows customers to benefit from various discounts or rewards on their purchases. However, until now, transactions in this system could be completed simply by declaring a phone number. A major change is now being implemented in this practice.

According to the new regulation that came into effect on February 28, it has become mandatory to verify the customer's actual phone number when using loyalty cards in stores and similar businesses. Simply providing a number will no longer be sufficient to earn discounts and points.

In examinations conducted by the board, it was determined that many customers were earning discounts or points using phone numbers belonging to others during their shopping. Furthermore, it was stated that risks such as issuing invoices to phones belonging to different individuals and the processing of incorrect personal data had emerged. The change was made to the practice because it created a significant vulnerability in terms of Personal Data Security.

From now on, businesses are expected to verify the customer's phone number using an additional method. This verification can be achieved in two different ways: a verification code will be sent to the customer's phone via SMS, or the customer will confirm their identity by scanning a QR code from the business's mobile application.

In both methods, the goal is to ensure that information is processed accurately during shopping and that the correct person benefits from the relevant advantages.

6 MONTHS GRACE PERIOD GRANTED

In accordance with the new decision, businesses have been granted a six-month period to comply with this regulation. During this transition period, stores and retailers will have to adapt to the new system by renewing their infrastructure both technically and administratively.

As a result, consumers who want to take advantage of loyalty card benefits will now have to complete an extra verification step during their spending. The main purpose of this regulation is both to make the shopping experience more secure and to ensure the protection of personal data.

News Source: 12punto