How to avoid ID theft, fraud
IDENTITY theft, a perfect fraud vehicle for criminals and a potential risk to industry and consumers, is on the decline.
According to a recent internal statistical analysis report issued by SA Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), the first quarter of 2016 has shown a 27% decrease in identity theft cases compared to the same period last year.
Manie van Schalkwyk, the former Credit Ombudsman who is now SAFPS’s executive director, said this downward trend may continue because there is the increased use of biometric data by banks and retailers. He said both consumers and industry have to be vigilant in minimising the risk of identity theft and fraud.
He gave the following tips:
Shred receipts, credit and insurance information, medical records, bank statements, etc, and lock financial documents and other records in a safe place.
Leave your ID at home. Take only your credit and debit cards that you may need and your driver’s licence when going out.
Before you share information at your workplace, a business, your child’s school, or a doctor’s office, ask why they need it, how they will safeguard it and the consequences of not sharing.
Banks will not ask you to verify personal information over the phone or via e-mail. If you receive a phone call or e-mail asking you to verify information, end the call, do not respond, and call the bank directly.
Before you dispose of a computer or a mobile device, ensure that you have deleted the information permanently and removed the SIM card and any other storage devices.
Install anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall
Look for the lock icon in website addresses before you send personal or financial information online.
Use strong passwords with your laptop, credit, bank, and other accounts.
Do not disclose your new identity book or passport, plane ticket, driver’s licences or other personal information on social media.
Never post your full name, identity number, address, phone number, or account numbers in publicly accessible sites.
WiFi is not always safe. Before you send personal information over your laptop or smartphone on a public wireless network in a coffee shop, library, airport or hotel, check if your information will be protected.
“If you suspect that you are at risk of identity theft or fraud, please contact the SAFPS via its website at
or call centre on 011-867-2234 or SMS the word ‘protected’ to 43366,” says van Schalkwyk.