PROJECT: IDENTITY THEFT - WHEN SOMEONE OPENS A CELL PHONE CONTRACT, STORE ACCOUNT OR NEW CREDIT CARD IN YOUR NAME

isabels39
May 30
5 min read

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Identity theft is a growing concern in South Africa. Fraudsters obtain personal information to open financial accounts, apply for loans, or purchase items while pretending to be someone else. One of the most common forms of identity fraud involves criminals opening cell phone contracts or store accounts in a victim's name. This not only affects the victim's credit score but can also result in legal complications and long-term financial damage.

HOW THIS HAPPENS:

DATA BREACHES AND LEAKS:
- South Africa has experienced numerous data breaches in recent years, including major leaks of ID numbers, addresses, and other personal details.
- Once fraudsters get access to this data, they can easily impersonate someone else.
STOLEN OR LOST DOCUMENTS:
- A lost or stolen ID book/card, driver’s licence, or proof of address can be used to open accounts fraudulently.
- Some criminals even use fake documents bearing your real information but with their photo.
SOCIAL ENGINEERING:
- Fraudsters often manipulate people into revealing personal details over the phone or via phishing emails.
- They may pose as bank employees, mobile service providers, or even the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the tax authority.
DUMPSTER DIVING AND PHYSICAL THEFT:
- Discarded bills, bank statements, or medical documents can be retrieved from bins and used to collect identity information.
- A forgotten payslip or till slip with your name and ID can be enough for basic identity fraud.
CORRUPTION IN RETAIL OR CELLULAR STORES:
- There are cases where insiders at service providers or retail stores knowingly approve fake applications in return for a cut.
- They might approve a contract using your details without proper verification.

HOW TO KNOW IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO YOU:

You receive a bill or debt collection notice for a product or service you never used.
A credit provider contacts you about a missed payment for an account you did not open.
Your credit score suddenly drops.
You receive SMSes or emails about accounts or purchases you do not recognise.
You’re denied credit due to "existing obligations" you never took on.

WHAT TO DO IF THIS HAPPENS:

STEP 1: REPORT TO THE FRAUD DIVISION OF THE RELEVANT COMPANIES.
- Cell Phone Contract: Contact the service provider (e.g., Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or Cell C) and ask to speak to their fraud division.
- Store Account: Call the retailer (e.g., Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, etc.) and report the fraudulent account.
- Request the application form, proof of ID used, and a copy of the contract to see what documents were used.
STEP 2: REPORT THE MATTER TO THE SAPS.
- Go to your nearest police station and open a case of identity theft.
- Make sure to get an affidavit, which you’ll need for banks, credit bureaus, and other institutions.
STEP 3: CONTACT THE CREDIT BUREAUS.
- There are four major credit bureaus in South Africa:
  - TransUnion: www.transunion.co.za
  - Experian: www.experian.co.za
  - Compuscan / CompuscanXDS
  - Equifax (formerly CPB)
- ASK THEM TO:
  - Place a fraud alert on your profile.
  - Remove or dispute the fraudulent listings.
  - Provide you with a free credit report (you’re entitled to one free report per year).
STEP 4: CONTACT THE SOUTH AFRICAN FRAUD PREVENTION SERVICE (SAFPS).
- SAFPS helps prevent future fraud by putting a Protective Registration on your ID number.
- Visit: www.safps.org.za
- This flags your ID number in the system, alerting companies to verify your identity thoroughly before opening any accounts.
STEP 5: MONITOR YOUR CREDIT REGULARLY.
- Sign up for alerts from a credit monitoring service.
- Recheck your report every few months to see if any new accounts appear.

LEGAL RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA:

According to the National Credit Act (NCA), you have the right to dispute inaccurate listings and request their removal.
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) also protects you from being held liable for fraudulent activity you did not authorise.
You are not legally obligated to pay for debts incurred through identity theft if you can prove you did not initiate the account.

HOW TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT IN THE FUTURE:

Shred sensitive documents before throwing them away.
Never share your ID number unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid giving out personal details over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Store your ID and driver’s licence securely - never leave them in your car or handbag unattended.
Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
Be wary of phishing emails and SMS scams that ask for verification details.

Falling victim to identity theft, especially when someone opens a cell phone contract or store account in your name,

can be deeply distressing.

It is a manageable situation if handled quickly and correctly.

By acting fast, reporting the fraud, and strengthening your future security, you can limit the damage

and reclaim control over your identity and financial reputation.

RECENT AND RELEVANT PROJECTS:

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Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

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