Members of the 'Everyone's Card' program who are caught repeatedly fraudulently claiming public transportation refunds through identity theft or by borrowing cards and accounts will have their membership revoked. They may also be required to return any refunds already received.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Metropolitan Transportation Commission, revised terms of service outlining the types of fraudulent claims, penalties, and refund return procedures will take effect starting today.
The ministry announced the plan to revise the terms on August 26 and provided a month-long notice through the app and website starting August 27.
The revised terms specifically define previously unclear types of fraudulent claims and the corresponding penalties.
Fraudulent activities include using someone else's identity, transferring or lending cards or accounts to others, falsely registering eligibility information, and employing hacking or other dishonest electronic methods.
Penalties will escalate based on the number of infractions. If fraudulent claims are confirmed, the first offense will result in a one-month suspension of service, while a second offense will lead to a three-month suspension.
A third offense will result in membership revocation and a one-year ban on rejoining. In cases of organized or repeated fraudulent claims, the rejoining ban could be extended up to three years.
Members who have received refunds fraudulently will also be required to return those funds. The ministry has the authority to require fraudulent members to return any refunds already issued or to deduct the amount from future refunds. Depending on the situation, further actions such as recovery under relevant laws or reporting to investigative agencies may also be taken.
However, membership will not be immediately suspended or revoked solely based on suspicion of fraudulent claims.
When a case of suspected fraud arises, the payment of refunds will be temporarily withheld, and the member will be notified of the relevant facts. A decision on whether to proceed with the payment will be made after reviewing the user's explanation and the fraud suspicion.
Before a final determination of fraud is made, users will be given a 14-day opportunity to provide an explanation. If a user receives a suspension or refund return notice, they can file an objection within 30 days from the date of notification. If valid reasons are recognized, the period for providing an explanation or filing an objection may be extended.
The 'Everyone's Card' program is designed to reduce the burden of public transportation costs by expanding K-Pass benefits. It automatically applies the more favorable benefits for users between a percentage refund based on public transportation usage and a fixed refund for transportation costs exceeding a set amount based on region and mode of transport.
Refund benefits are available for public transportation across the country, including buses, subways, the Shinbundang Line, GTX, and airport railroads. To receive refunds, users must complete the issuance of the 'Everyone's Card,' membership registration, and card registration, and generally must use public transportation at least 15 times a month. In the first month of membership, users can still receive refund benefits even if they use public transportation fewer than 15 times.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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