Fraudulent activity on your bank account like unexplained purchases and transactions, unauthorised debit orders, receiving statements for accounts you never applied for – these are all signs that you could be a victim of identity theft. Scorpion Legal Protection discusses and explains what you should do.
Scorpion Legal Protection often remind their members not to post any personal information publicly on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter because anyone can take advantage of it. For example, a woman who was upset about an issue she had with her cell service provider posted her frustration on Facebook. A scammer, posing as a representative from the cell service company, said she could help the woman if she just sent over her ID number, payslip and bank statement. Desperate to get help, the woman did this, only to find out that the “representative” was a common scammer who then used her personal information to open a number of accounts in her name. Stealing your identity is not just about clever hackers getting into your email or bank accounts, it can happen as a swindle right in front of your eyes.
If you think your identity has been stolen, here’s what TransUnion suggests you do:
Report the identity theft
Immediately report the identity theft to the SAPS and the company, bank or financial institution where the fraud happened. Contact the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) by SMSing ‘Protectid’ to 43366, free of charge. SAFPS will contact you and help you register for a Protective Registration or Victim of Impersonation listing.
Close your accounts
Close your existing bank accounts as well as the bank accounts opened by the thieves. If you leave an account open, the scammers may still be able to use it. Notify credit reporting agencies like TransUnion, who can block any further credit applications made in your name.
Change all your logins
Change ALL your logins and passwords, even for accounts that weren’t affected by the identity theft. Be wary of emails from unknown senders trying to send you money, no matter what story they try to spin you – you’re an overseas lottery winner, a deceased family member you’ve never heard of has supposedly left you money, you’ve won an iPhone or similar, these are all tactics criminals use to try and get your personal details.
Set up transaction alerts
One way to be aware of unauthorised transactions, debit orders, etc on your accounts is to set up transaction alerts with your bank. You should also check your bank statements and credit reports regularly. This allows you to take action quicker and possibly prevent further fraud.
Source: Transunion
Tips
- Any changes to working hours must be agreed on by both employer and employee.
- An employer cannot just verbally change an employee’s working hours.
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* This is only basic advice and cannot be relied on solely. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing