Phone not reading the Sim card

I bought a Samsung galaxy A04e for my daughter on the 25th of September 2024 at the Pep store in Brackenhurst. The phone worked but now 7 months later, the phone refuses to read the sim card. I went to Pep to try and see how best they can assist me. When i got there i was told point blank that there's nothing they can do to assist without the receipt. I lost the receipt but i have my bank statement to prove the transaction. I need this phone sorted, what must i do with a phone that doesn't read the sim card? I still have the package of the phone with serial numbers and everything, im sure some of this information can assist to prove my purchase. Can somebody get back to me and help resolve this ASAP.