KZN has highest proportion of fraud in false documents, study says

The KwaZulu-Natal province has the highest proportion of fraud in false documents, reports the Berea Mail.

According to the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), the highest proportion of fraud categorised by false documents and employment is committed by perpetrators between 25 and 30 years of age.

The SAFPS has compiled research to identify certain characteristics of fraudsters. Manie van Schalkwyk of SAFPS said you could be among fraudsters who look just like your average unsuspecting citizen going about their business. The only difference is that their business is fraud.

“Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that you would recognise such an individual because they move in commercial circles, just like everyone else. However, it is their intentions that could differ,” she said.

SAFPS found that fraud perpetrators tend to have high-risk bureau profiles that could result in a decline decision being returned for a relatively high proportion of these cases.

However, depending on the risk appetite of the lender, not all fraud perpetrators would be declined if the assessment was based purely on a credit risk score. Perpetrators in the lower score range tend to commit fraud categorised by false documents and employment, while perpetrators in the higher score range tend to commit fraud characterised by impersonation.

“Checking the SAFPS database is essential to assist in identifying possible fraud perpetrators. This applies to individuals, small business and corporates who wish to avoid putting themselves at risk of transacting in circumstances that result in fraud. We utilised the CSH Group [Scoresharp] to conduct an analysis of our data,” said Van Schalkwyk.

She said results show there are slightly more perpetrators between 25 and 30 years of age than there are between 30 and 35 years of age. The highest proportion of fraud categorised by impersonation is committed by perpetrators between 30 and 35 years of age.

– Caxton News Service

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