I have been a victim of identity fraud and would like to know why this is made so easy for the criminals.
I received a call from debt collectors asking to confirm my full name and ID number which the women on the line read out to me. It was correct. She told me that an internet service provider had handed me over to them for an outstanding amount I supposedly owed them.
It seems someone used my ID to sign a contract with this service provider, using information that does not correspond with mine at all.
Why is it so easy to have this happen? Why does this service provider allow any ID number to be used and not ask for a copy of the document? Are they only interested in making money and ignore the vital part of any contract – to make certain that the said party is who they say they are?
Now I have to pay legal fees to lawyers asking for the documentation from said company to prove that it was not me who applied for this contract.
Further to this, I have to hand all this over to the SAP Fraud Unit so that they can place a “protection” on my ID Number.
I really think that this company and any other internet provider should take a hard look at the requirements needed before just activating an account. It is a cruel and horrid thing which this person has done. So many of us work hard to live a decent life yet this person has no care to commit fraud and complicate innocent people’s lives, and companies like this make it easy for them to do just that.
So this is a warning to all those people out there to be vigilant, but of course I had no idea about this; rather a warning to the service providers out there reading this: please do your jobs and be more stringent on your requirements for starting an account, because there are victims out there like me who are suffering for your shortcomings.
Sandy Sulter
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier:079 404 5789.
