Identity Theft Solutions
Identity Theft Affects Everyone,
Including You
Don’t wait to become a statistic. Educate and Empower Yourself Today.
did you know?
Identity Theft in South Africa is a Serious Problem
It won’t happen to me is becoming an increasingly dangerous mindset to have. In fact, it is more likely to be you with each passing day. According to our fraud prevention partner, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS), consumers are currently under attack, more than ever.
What's Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when a fraudster steals your personal information and uses it to wreak havoc in your life. They might open fraudulent accounts, go on reckless spending sprees, or even file false tax returns – all in your name! Yoh!
Identity Theft Definition and Meaning Identity theft, also known as ID theft or identification theft, is the unauthorised use of someone’s personal information for fraudulent purposes. This can include using stolen identities to open credit accounts, make purchases, or even commit crimes in the victim’s name. The identity theft meaning extends beyond simple financial fraud, encompassing a range of activities that can have long-lasting impacts on the victim’s life.
These are the common identity theft schemes:
- Financial Fraud: Includes tax, loan, credit/debit card, and account takeover fraud.
- Personal Information Misuse: Covers employment fraud and government documents/benefits fraud.
- Service Theft: Encompasses phone, utilities, and medical identity theft.
- Synthetic Identity Theft: Creation of fake identities using real and fabricated information.
- Child Identity Theft: Targeting minors’ identities for long term fraud.
But don’t panic, we’ll teach you how to spot the signs of identity theft and protect yourself from falling victim.
Signs you're a victim of identity theft
There are several warning signs that you might be a victim of identity theft.
Look out for:
- Your credit score taking a nosedive.
- Unexpected changes in your credit report.
- Being denied credit or employment due to a poor credit history.
- Mysterious disappearances from your bank account.
- Suspicious charges on your credit card statement.
- Letters from unfamiliar creditors.
- Calls from debt collectors about accounts you never opened.
- Surprise arrival of new cards or accounts you didn’t apply for.
- Collection notices for services you never used.
The consequences of identity theft are serious:
- You may be denied government services or benefits
- You could even be wrongly arrested for a crime committed by someone using your identity.
Don't ignore the red flags
Afraid you're a victim of identity theft? What to do.
Contact your financial institutions immediately.
Notify them of unauthorised transactions or accounts. Follow their procedures for handling identity theft. Consider closing compromised accounts.
Report to the South African Police Service
Provide all relevant details, documents, and evidence. Obtain a case number for reporting to credit bureaus and other necessary actions.
Download and use the free Secure Citizen ID Wallet
The app prevents unauthorised account openings or loans in your name and so much more. Available on iOS, Google Play, or sign up online.
Seek Guidance from the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS)
Contact SAFPS at their toll free number (011 867 2234) to report the incident. They will guide you through the steps to protect your identity and offer further actions.
Notify the Credit Bureaus
Contact credit bureaus like Experian, TransUnion, and XDS. Report the identity theft and request a fraud alert on your credit file. Pro Tip: Run a free credit report to check for unauthorised accounts. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service for alerts on suspicious activity.
Document and Dispute Unauthorised Accounts and Transactions
Collect evidence and documentation related to the identity theft. Contact companies involved in unauthorised accounts or transactions. Provide them with your SAPS case number and supporting documents to dispute the fraud.
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Dive into our blog for valuable insights, actionable tips, and industry trends to stay ahead in the world of secure identity solutions.
You’ve likely heard of a story that includes an identity theft nightmare. Even more so recently. That’s because fraud and identity theft are on an exponential upward trend. The below
WE CAN HELP
Download the Secure Citizen ID Wallet
Fraudsters create anxiety and financial risk. That’s where we step in. With Secure Citizens, you can protect your digital identity and easily apply for protective registration. It’s simple, convenient, and free – giving you control over your identity and taking it out of the hands of fraudsters.
A Trustworthy Non Profit
You Can Trust Us
We’ve collaborated with South Africa’s leading fraud prevention authority, the SAFPS, enabling us to offer free consumer fraud prevention solutions.
Through SAFPS, Secure Citizens benefit from an extra layer of protection with Protective Registration.
Similar to credit protection, Protective Registration is a free service for South African citizens provided by SAFPS. You’ll receive a unique PR number and be added to a database shared with a wide network of South African companies. These companies will take extra steps to confirm your identity during any application, such as credit or store accounts.
Anyone applying under your name will need your unique PR number to complete the process, adding an extra layer of security.
Easily manage your Protective Registration within the Secure Citizen app.
Your Top Questions Answered
FAQs
Secure Citizen makes it harder for criminals to steal your identity with a free service called Protective Registration. Offered by the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), it's like a shield for your personal information. Here's how it works:
- Unique PR Number: You'll get a special number called a PR number.
- Verification Boost: When you apply for credit, open a store account, or use other services, companies will check this number with SAFPS to make sure it's really you.
- Extra Security Layer: This extra verification step makes it much harder for someone else to pretend to be you.
Manage it Easily: With the Secure Citizen app, you can easily register for your PR number and keep track of it all in one place. To learn more about Identity theft, check out our SC Certified: Mastering your digital Identity course. It’s action packed with tips on how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you’re a victim.
Still have questions?
Forewarned is forearmed.
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