Cell C has started an investigation into what it has termed a case of internal fraud, following the theft and distribution of data vouchers.
According to the cellphone operator, an estimated 44 000 Cell C data vouchers were recently stolen, a number of which found their way into the market and were purchased - resulting in the suspension of 453 affected accounts.
“Cell C initially suspended the affected accounts to ascertain where the customers bought the bundles. However, as soon as they were in contact with the company, these bundles were reactivated, since customers bought them legitimately.”
While the company is not at liberty to disclose details at this stage, due to the continuing investigation, it says it does have knowledge as to the root of the fraud. Cell C says the incident was detected early, enabling the operator to take immediate measures “to prevent further fraud from the identified sources”.
The operator could not comment on whether the theft was an “inside job”, saying only a case of fraud had been filed with the South African Police Service.
The fraud, which Cell C says is an isolated incident, was committed against the company itself, and so “no customers have lost any bandwidth”.
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